Sioux Empire Today

Two men from Winner, South Dakota, have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a drive-by shooting. U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte delivered the sentences on November 5, 2024, following convictions for assault with a dangerous weapon.

Arthur Black Bull, aged 19, received a sentence of 10 years in federal prison. In addition to his prison term, he will serve three years of supervised release and must pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Therryn Black Horse, aged 22, was sentenced to five years in federal prison. Like Black Bull, he will also have three years of supervised release and is required to pay a $100 special assessment.

The two men were indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. Black Bull entered a guilty plea on August 5, 2024, followed by Black Horse on August 7, 2024.

Their convictions are linked to an incident that took place in April 2023 at Winner Tribal Housing in Tripp County, South Dakota. The area is part of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On April 13, 2023, during the early morning hours, Black Bull and Black Horse drove past the victim's residence with intentions related to a previous disagreement between Black Horse and the victim. As they passed by in their vehicle, Black Bull discharged multiple rounds from a 9mm pistol at the house. Although the victim and his family were present inside the residence during the shooting, no injuries occurred.

Law enforcement later matched shell casings found at the scene to a pistol seized during a traffic stop in May 2023. The weapon was traced back to Black Bull. Both defendants will forfeit ownership of this pistol to the United States.

This case was prosecuted under the Major Crimes Act due to its occurrence within Indian Country. The act requires certain violent crimes in these areas be handled in federal court rather than state court.

The prosecution was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration among law enforcement agencies and communities. The program focuses on fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations that work towards violence prevention.

The investigation was conducted by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Senior Litigation Counsel Kirk Albertson led the prosecution efforts.

Following sentencing, both men were taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.