Pine Ridge Couple Sentenced in Death of Infant Son

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that two people from Pine Ridge were sentenced on April 13, 2010, by U.S. District Judge Richard H. Battey in connection with the death of their infant son. Kendra Warrior, age 23, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $100 victim assessment. John Bissonette, age 37, was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $100 victim assessment. Warrior and Bissonette were indicted for abuse of a minor by a federal grand jury on August 25, 2009. Warrior was additionally indicted for involuntary manslaughter. In July 2009, both defendants had consumed alcoholic beverages, then placed their 3-month-old child in bed with them. Warrior ultimately rolled over on the infant, killing him. She pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter on January 26, 2010, and Bissonette pled guilty to abuse of a minor on January 27, 2010. This case was investigated by the FBI and BIA. Assistant US Attorney Mark A. Vargo prosecuted the case. Bissonette and Warrior were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.