A prosecutor says a teenager once charged in a 2022 double homicide at Rapid City’s Knollwood Heights Apartments was misidentified. Then‑17‑year‑old Robert Yellow Bird was initially arrested and indicted, but prosecutors confirmed the charges have since been dropped. He is now listed only as a potential witness.
The revelation came during opening statements in the trial of three adults accused in the Aug. 20, 2022, shooting deaths of Joseph Standing Bear and Petan Milk. Prosecutors say the killings were a planned retaliation tied to gang tensions following the earlier death of Cory Old Horse.
On trial are Montell Olivera, charged with two counts of first‑degree murder, and Erin Provancial and Dillon Wilson, charged with aiding and abetting and conspiracy. All face mandatory life sentences if convicted.
Jurors have seen multiple surveillance videos showing masked individuals entering the apartment building moments before shots were fired. Witnesses linked a gold Ford Taurus to the group after the shooting. Three others—Louis Perea, Chase Quick Bear, and Benita Cisneros—have already taken plea deals and are expected to testify.
Defense attorneys argue their clients didn’t know a killing would occur and say key witnesses have changed their stories in exchange for lighter charges.
The trial continues next week due to scheduling conflicts and the holiday.
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