Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Kenneth Lee DeMarrias, a resident of North Lake Worth Beach, Florida, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison. The sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on July 14, 2025.
DeMarrias, aged 46, was convicted for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Following his prison term, he will undergo three years of supervised release and must pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. His interest in the firearm has also been forfeited.
The case against DeMarrias began with an indictment by a federal grand jury in December 2024, and he pleaded guilty on April 23, 2025.
In May 1998, DeMarrias was involved in an incident where he fired six shots at three teenagers in a Kansas City park. Two of the victims died while the third required surgery for injuries sustained. As a result of these actions, DeMarrias was convicted of murder, aggravated assault, and armed criminal action and sentenced to 26 years in prison before being released in May 2024.
On July 26, 2024, while staying with family at the Grand River Casino within the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota, DeMarrias loaded his wife's pistol magazine and later took it to the hotel lobby where he was arrested by police. At the time of arrest, DeMarrias had been using methamphetamine.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program focuses on fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations that prevent violence.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services conducted the investigation into this case with Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem leading prosecution efforts.
Following sentencing, DeMarrias was remanded into custody under the U.S. Marshals Service.
