United States District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced Jeremy Red Owl, a 29-year-old resident of Kyle, South Dakota, to federal prison for involuntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell and took place on April 10, 2025.
Red Owl received a sentence of two years and nine months, followed by three years of supervised release on each count. The sentences will run concurrently. Additionally, Red Owl must pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and restitution to the family of the victim.
The charges against Red Owl stemmed from an incident in which he, while under the influence of cocaine and in possession of a loaded firearm, was riding in the backseat of a moving vehicle. Red Owl reportedly leaned over, causing the firearm to accidentally discharge, resulting in the driver's death.
The federal grand jury indicted Red Owl for involuntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in November 2024. He entered a guilty plea on January 29, 2025.
The case was prosecuted federally under the Major Crimes Act, which requires certain violent crimes occurring in Indian Country to be handled in federal court. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Following the sentencing, Red Owl was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.