Evergreen Reporter

Burdick Nelson Seminole Sr., a 59-year-old resident of Riverton, Wyoming, was found guilty by a federal jury on November 15 of first-degree murder. The conviction also included charges for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and causing death with a firearm during such an incident. The trial, which lasted four days, took place before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in Casper.

Court documents and evidence revealed that on the morning of August 8, 2023, Seminole drove to the victim's home on the Wind River Indian Reservation without permission. An argument occurred between Seminole and the victim, who was in his wheelchair. After initially leaving the premises to retrieve a pistol, Seminole returned to continue the confrontation. He then pistol-whipped and disarmed the victim before shooting him three times, resulting in his death at the scene as confirmed by EMS personnel.

During this incident, another resident fired at Seminole, hitting him in the neck and prompting him to flee. Despite being injured with what was later diagnosed as a minor flesh wound, Seminole managed to drive himself to the hospital.

Seminole's sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2025. He faces mandatory life imprisonment along with potential financial penalties including up to $250,000 in fines and a $100 special assessment fee. The investigation into this case was conducted by both the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and FBI.

This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community groups. Launched on May 26, 2021, PSN emphasizes building trust within communities while supporting organizations focused on preventing violence proactively.

For further details about Project Safe Neighborhoods or related initiatives visit Justice.gov/PSN.