Sioux Empire Today

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Theodora Belt, age 47, and Bailey Belt, age 23, both from Bridger, South Dakota, of second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Bailey Belt was additionally convicted of further charges involving a different victim following a four-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on June 28, 2024.

Theodora Belt faces a maximum penalty of up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Bailey Belt faces similar penalties but with an additional $500 special assessment. Restitution may also be ordered.

Both defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2023.

The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on May 27, 2023, in Bridger within the Cheyenne River Reservation. According to reports, Theodora and Bailey Belt were at the victims' home socializing when an argument ensued. They assaulted victim #1 by punching, kicking, and beating him with a shovel. As victim #1 lay on the ground outside the home he was run over with Theodora’s car, ultimately killing him. Additionally, Bailey Belt struck victim #2 in the head with a shovel causing injuries that required life-flight transport to Rapid City for medical treatment; victim #2 survived.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office under the Major Crimes Act which mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to state court.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Troy R. Morley and Brian J. Murphy prosecuted the case.

The defendants were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.