Federal Jury Convicts Manderson Man of First Degree Murder and Arson Charges

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal jury has convicted Reno Rondeau, age 52, of Manderson, South Dakota, of First Degree Felony Murder, Assault With Intent to Commit Arson, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Arson, following a 3-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on February 5, 2026.

The charges carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine and a $400 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Rondeau was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. 

In October 2024, Rondeau intentionally set fire to his brother’s residence near Manderson, South Dakota.  When he set the fire, Rondeau knew the home was occupied by his brother and his brother’s friend, Tanya White Butterfly.  Sadly, Ms. White Butterfly, a former correctional officer with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, perished in the fire.  While Rondeau’s brother, John Rondeau, Sr., ultimately escaped the fire, he sustained burn injuries while trying to save White Butterfly’s life.  The residence was completely destroyed in the fire.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for May 18, 2026.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.