A federal grand jury has determined there is enough evidence to charge two men from Wounded Knee with First Degree Murder, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Eugene Acorn High Hawk, age 59, and Spencer High Hawk, age 25, have pleaded not guilty.
The penalty upon conviction is mandatory life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Eugene Acorn High Hawk and Spencer High Hawk beating a male to death near Wounded Knee in June 2022. Eugene Acorn High Hawk is also accused of beating a juvenile male with a baseball bat during the same incident.
