McLaughlin Man Arraigned on Manslaughter Charge

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of South Dakota
August 3, 2012

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a McLaughlin man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for involuntary manslaughter.

Jody Red Bird, age 32, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 18, 2012. He appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on August 2, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is not more than eight years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. The charge stems from an incident in June 2012 when Red Bird, who was heavily intoxicated, was driving a vehicle and had an accident. A passenger in the vehicle was killed as a result of the accident.

The charge is merely an accusation, and Red Bird is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Morley is prosecuting the case. Red Bird was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.