Oglala Woman Sentenced For Causing Death Of Child

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Oglala, South Dakota, woman convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter was sentenced on January 10, 2014, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Elizabeth Red Star-Benson, a/k/a Elizabeth Shantelle Benson, a/k/a Elizabeth Red Star, age 27, was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.   
           
On August 31, 2012, at Porcupine, Red Star-Benson was driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .261 and rolled her vehicle on BIA Hwy 27 near KILI radio station.  Her four-year old son, who was not properly restrained, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene from his traumatic injuries. 
         
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.  

Red Star-Benson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.