Mission Womam Pled Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Kristen Bear Heels, age 29, of Mission, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on November 27, 2012, and pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 8 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The conviction stems from an incident that took place on May 11, 2012, when Bear Heels asphyxiated the victim by overlaying.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers. Bear Heels was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal.