Bridger Mother and Son Convicted of Second-Degree Murder and Assault Charges

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Theodora Belt, age 47, and Bailey Belt, age 23, both from Bridger, South Dakota, of Second-Degree Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Bailey Belt was convicted of additional Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury charges involving a different victim, following a four-day jury trial in federal district court in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on June 28, 2024.

Theodora Belt faces a maximum penalty of up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Bailey Belt faces a maximum penalty of up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

Both defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023.

The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on May 27, 2023, in Bridger, within the Cheyenne River Reservation. Theodora and Bailey Belt were at the victims' home socializing. An argument began between the parties and the defendants assaulted victim #1 by punching, kicking, and beating him with a shovel. As victim #1 lay on the ground outside the home he was run over with Theodora's car, ultimately killing him. In addition, Bailey Belt struck victim #2 in the head with a shovel, causing him to be life-flighted to Rapid City for medical treatment, where he survived.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Troy R. Morley and Brian J. Murphy prosecuted the case.

The defendants were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.