McLaughlin man convicted of first-degree murder, faces life in prison

Casey Lynn Crow Ghost, 44, of McLaughlin has been convicted of first-degree murder and use of a gun during a crime of violence that causes death, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Crow Ghost's three-day trial was at the federal courthouse in Aberdeen. The verdict was returned Thursday.

The conviction stems from the Dec. 12, 2020, shooting death of Crow Ghost's romantic partner in McLaughlin, according to the release. The victim's body was discovered on Dec. 15, 2020, and an autopsy determined she died from a gunshot to the back of the head.

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"Crow Ghost was interviewed by law enforcement and claimed that the shooting was both an accident and a result of self-defense. Evidence gathered by law enforcement showed Crow Ghost murdered the victim with a handgun and did so with premeditation," according to the release.

Crow Ghost was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2021.

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The murder conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Crow Ghost could also be fined as much as $250,000 and ordered to pay restitution. Sentencing is set for Oct. 31.

Upon being convicted, Crow Ghost was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency and Corson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook was the prosecutor.

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The case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that involves all levels of law enforcement and works to reduce gun violence and make neighborhoods safer, per the release.

This article originally appeared on Aberdeen News: Man from McLaughlin, South Dakota, convicted of first-degree murder