Burdick Nelson Seminole Sr., a 59-year-old resident of Riverton, Wyoming, has been sentenced to two life terms plus an additional 10 years in prison. The sentencing by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl took place on February 27 in Casper. Seminole was found guilty of first-degree murder and causing death with a firearm during a crime of violence, with both sentences running concurrently. An additional decade was added for discharging a firearm during the crime.
Seminole was also ordered to pay $4,521.09 in restitution along with a $300 special assessment fee.
The conviction came after a four-day trial concluded on November 15, 2024. Evidence presented at the trial showed that on August 8, 2023, Seminole entered the victim's home without permission and initiated an argument. After retrieving a pistol from outside, he returned to confront the victim again. The victim was seated in his wheelchair when Seminole pistol-whipped him and fired three shots, resulting in the victim's death at the scene.
During this incident, another resident fired back at Seminole, injuring him slightly in the neck and prompting his escape to seek medical attention for what turned out to be a minor injury.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence by uniting law enforcement agencies and communities across various levels. The program emphasizes fostering trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
For further details about Project Safe Neighborhoods, information is available at Justice.gov/PSN.
