Jury Finds White Butterfly Guilty

A Pennington County jury convicted Pam White Butterfly, 30, of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder for the Feb. 23, 2025 shooting that killed Lenart Brown Eyes, 68, and seriously injured his brother Gerard Brown Eyes, 66, in Rapid City.
Evidence showed White Butterfly shot both men, with Lenart fatally wounded and Gerard surviving a head injury. Despite his injuries, Lenart called 911 and identified her as the shooter.
Prosecutors presented DNA evidence, gunshot residue, and testimony from 30 witnesses. White Butterfly was arrested wearing clothing stained with Lenart’s blood and found hiding in a dumpster. The firearm was never recovered, though Lenart’s gun was missing from the scene.
State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel said the verdict delivers justice for the victims and their family, crediting Lenart’s dying declaration and strong evidence.