Mission Woman Sentenced For Involuntary Manslaughter

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission, South Dakota woman convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on February 12, 2013 by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Kristen Bear Heels, age 29, was sentenced to 6 months in custody, 6 months home confinement, 18 months of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. Bear Heels was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 19, 2012, and pled guilty to the charge on November 27, 2012.

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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers. Bear Heels must self-report to the custody U.S. Marshal on February 15, 2013.