Sioux Empire Today

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell has announced the sentencing of a mother and son from Bridger, South Dakota, in connection with charges of Second-Degree Murder, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange of the U.S. District Court handed down the sentences on October 28, 2024.

Theodora Belt, aged 48, received a sentence of 22 years in federal prison for the murder charge and an additional 10 years for each assault charge, all to be served concurrently. Her son, Bailey Belt, aged 23, was sentenced to 27 years for the murder charge and another 10 years for assault charges involving two victims, also to be served concurrently.

The indictments were issued by a federal grand jury in June 2023. The convictions were secured after a federal jury trial on June 28, 2024.

The incident occurred on May 27, 2023, at the Cheyenne River Reservation in Bridger. Theodora and Bailey Belt assaulted victim #1 during an argument at the victims' home by punching and kicking him before using a shovel as a weapon. Afterward, Theodora ran over victim #1 with her car, resulting in his death. Bailey also attacked victim #2 with a shovel to the head; this victim required emergency medical treatment but survived.

The prosecution fell under federal jurisdiction due to the Major Crimes Act's stipulation that certain violent crimes occurring in Indian Country must be tried federally rather than at the state level.

The FBI and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement conducted investigations into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Troy R. Morley and Brian J. Murphy led the prosecution efforts.

Following their sentencing, both defendants were placed under the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.