Riverton man found guilty of first-degree murder on the Wind River Indian Reservation

Burdick Nelson Seminole Sr., 59, of Riverton, Wyoming, was convicted by a federal jury on Nov. 15 of first-degree murder, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and causing death with a firearm during a crime of violence. The trial lasted four days before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in Casper.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in the early morning of Aug. 8, 2023, Seminole drove to the victim’s residence, entered the residence without permission, confronted the victim and an argument ensued. The defendant left the residence to retrieve a pistol and re-entered the residence where he continued to argue with the victim, who was sitting in his wheelchair. Seminole pistol-whipped the victim, disarmed him, and shot him three times, killing him. In response, another resident shot at Seminole, hitting him in the back of the neck, causing him to flee. Seminole drove himself to the hospital and was diagnosed with a minor flesh wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS.

Sentencing has been set for Feb. 6, 2025. Seminole faces mandatory life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and FBI investigated the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

Case No. 24-CR-00017