Parmelee Woman Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of South Dakota
August 15, 2012

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Kenna Young, age 20, of Parmelee, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on August 15, 2012, and pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter. The maximum penalty upon conviction is eight years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The conviction stems from an incident that took place on February 20, 2012, in Todd County, South Dakota, when Young was driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Young’s vehicle left the roadway and crashed, killing the victim and injuring a second passenger.

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 Tim Maher.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for November 7, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.