Wyoming Men Charged with First-Degree Murder

U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced today that on May 29, 2013, Alan Brown, 61, and his brother Vernon Lee Brown, 54, both Northern Arapaho Tribal Members, appeared in federal court on an indictment charging them with one count of first-degree murder and aiding and abetting in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111, 1153 and 2. The charges against Alan and Vernon Lee Brown stem from an incident that occurred on or about May 6, 2006, which resulted in the death of Tad Paul Barnson, 47, who was originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, but resided in and around Riverton, Wyoming, at the time of his death. Alan and Vernon Lee Brown are Wind River Indian Reservation inhabitants but are not believed to have any permanent residence. This crime is alleged to have occurred on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Alan and Vernon Lee Brown are facing a potential of life imprisonment or the death penalty and could be ordered to pay restitution, a fine, and special assessment.

By DOJ policy, our office may not comment further on this case until after disposition.

An indictment is only an accusation. In every criminal case, the accused is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, and the government always has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt