Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Andrew Byerly Birge, announced that Eugene Walter-George Rantanen has been convicted by a federal jury of murder and first-degree child abuse. The conviction stems from an incident on February 19, 2024, when a nineteen-month-old toddler became unresponsive while under Rantanen's sole custody at the L’Anse Reservation of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Despite medical efforts, the child passed away on February 24, 2024.
The trial revealed through medical examiner testimony that the toddler suffered blunt force trauma to the head resulting in severe brain injuries. Government witnesses indicated that Rantanen was responsible for these injuries.
"Any time a child dies, it is a tragedy. But it is particularly tragic when a caretaker causes the death," said Acting U.S. Attorney Birge. "My office will hold individuals like Rantanen accountable for their violent crimes whenever it can."
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, commented on the verdict: "This conviction confirms that Eugene Rantanen will no longer pose a threat to anyone, especially our children." He acknowledged the collaborative investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies and extended condolences to those who loved the young victim.
The investigation involved several agencies including the FBI, Michigan State Police, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police, Baraga County Sheriff's Office, and Village of L’Anse Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexis Sanford and Jeanne Long are handling prosecution duties.
This case forms part of broader Department of Justice efforts addressing issues related to missing and murdered indigenous persons (MMIP). The Bureau of Indian Affairs notes longstanding challenges faced by Native American communities regarding high rates of violence against tribal members—a situation described as stemming from historical government policies impacting Native peoples.
Further information about this crisis can be found on the BIA website.
