Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
A Pine Ridge man has been sentenced to over three years in federal prison for involuntary manslaughter and firearm possession. Daeshawn Poor Bear, 19, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler on June 2, 2025, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell.
Poor Bear received a sentence of three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution and $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The charges against Poor Bear were brought forward by a federal grand jury in October 2024, leading to his guilty plea on January 8, 2025.
The incident occurred on September 2, 2024, when Poor Bear and friends consumed alcohol and THC substances at an abandoned trailer in Pine Ridge. During this time, a firearm was thrown onto a bed near Poor Bear by the victim. Poor Bear picked up the gun, aimed it at the victim, and fired it. The bullet fatally wounded the victim. Following the shooting, Poor Bear and his friends fled to his mother's home where she contacted emergency services.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety responded to the scene and confirmed that the victim had died from their injuries. Due to his history with THC use, Poor Bear was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case fell under federal jurisdiction as mandated by the Major Crimes Act because it involved violent crimes alleged within Indian Country. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this matter with Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen handling the case.
Investigations were conducted by both the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI before prosecution ensued.
Following sentencing, Poor Bear was remanded into custody under the supervision of the U.S. Marshals Service.
