Lower Brule Man Convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Joseph Thompson, Sr., age 32, of Lower Brule, South Dakota, of Voluntary Manslaughter following a three day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on July 20, 2023.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

Thompson was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2023. 

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on March 25, 2023, in Lower Brule. Thompson was at the home of an acquaintance when he heard a disturbance outside the residence. Thompson left the residence, walked around the corner of the home and saw a man standing near the home.  Thompson produced a knife and stabbed the man five times, piercing his heart. There was no indication that the other man was displaying a weapon when Thompson fatally stabbed him.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureeau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Service - Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.