A murder investigation is underway after a boy was shot in Lame Deer

LAME DEER, Montana – A fire burns on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in memory of a little boy who was shot and killed in an apparent murder. There is also a fire among tribal council members who are passionate about improving safety on the reservation.

“Our community is doing poorly right now,” said a group of Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council members gathered at council chambers in Lame Deer.

“There was a shooting on Wednesday evening. It’s very heavy, you can feel the heaviness around you. It affects everyone. There are families who are hit hard, but we all know these families. We are friends with them, we are related to them,” said Nizhoni Friesz, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council.

Dianne Parker

“It is tragic that our grandson lost his life because of a power struggle or a lack of attention to our crisis here,” said Melissa Lonebear, the grandmother of the shooting victim and a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council.

Lame Deer and the Northern Cheyenne Reservation are a grieving community. While few details are being released, many are trying to understand the senseless tragedy when a St. Labre elementary school student was shot. His death was ruled a murder.

“It was an unfortunate incident. Northern Cheyenne is now cooperating with the FBI,” said John Grinsell, director of Northern Cheyenne Investigations Services.

Because the suspect is still at large, the Tribal Council has ordered an executive order enforcing a curfew until the suspect is apprehended.

“If you see something, say something. We really need the community’s help to solve this problem, and that applies to all situations on the reservation,” says Friesz.

Many say that many situations are currently being investigated by the recently formed NCIS (Northern Cheyenne Investigative Services). Tribal council members say more officers are needed in this community, with only three left on shift at a time to patrol a massive reservation covering 440,000 acres.

Dianne Parker

“I also spoke to law enforcement today and they assured us that anyone who comes forward, any witness, can be protected if they feel their life is in danger,” Friesz said.

The boy’s name and age were not released. Specific information about the shooting will not be released as the investigation continues, but NCIS encourages anyone with tips or information to call 406-477-7100.

During this time of tragedy, the family is accepting donations to help cover unexpected expenses. Payments can be made to this account via Venmo. Scan QR code.

Dianne Parker