Susan T. Lehr, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska
A jury in Omaha, Nebraska, has convicted Michelle Lee Marr of Winnebago on charges of second-degree murder and tampering with documents or evidence. The verdict was reached on February 7, 2025, after a nearly five-day federal trial presided over by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher. Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced the conviction.
Marr faces a potential life sentence for the murder charge and up to 20 years for tampering with evidence. The charges stem from an incident on March 12, 2022, when Marr called emergency services to report that the victim was unresponsive at her residence. The victim was initially taken to Twelve Clans Unity Hospital before being transferred to Mercy One Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa, due to severe injuries.
Medical personnel at Mercy One discovered brain trauma and swelling in the victim, along with significant bruising concealed by makeup. Despite medical efforts, the victim died from his injuries on March 13, 2022. An autopsy confirmed blunt force trauma as the cause of death and classified it as a homicide.
During the trial, evidence from social media and Marr's phone contradicted her claim of being unconscious during the time leading up to finding the victim. Witnesses also testified about previous incidents where Marr allegedly assaulted the victim.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM before Judge Buescher in Omaha. The case was prosecuted federally because it occurred on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Nebraska and involved a felony offense.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
