Two Rapid City residents have been arrested in connection with the death of 43‑year‑old Randall Lonehill, whose body was discovered on January 26 at an improvised outdoor encampment near the railroad tracks in the 100 block of E. North Street.
Police were dispatched to the area around 4:35 p.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive man. Responding officers located Lonehill within the encampment and determined he was deceased at the scene. Based on visible injuries, investigators immediately labeled the death as suspicious, and an autopsy was scheduled.
Following the autopsy, officials confirmed that Lonehill died as a result of trauma associated with a physical assault and stabbing, and the case was formally classified as a homicide. Investigators also noted that evidence gathered so far indicates the incident was not random.
On January 30, authorities arrested 30‑year‑old Celeste Conquering Bear and 41‑year‑old Artie Black Bear, both of Rapid City, on charges of Second Degree Murder for their alleged involvement in Lonehill’s death.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted jointly by the Rapid City Police Department and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.
Law enforcement is encouraging anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Morgan Slanina at 605‑394‑4134. Anonymous tips may be submitted by texting “RCPD” and the information to 847411.
Authorities say further updates will be released as appropriate.
Comments