Bridger Mother and Son Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison on Murder and Assault Charges

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, sentenced a Bridger, South Dakota, woman and her son, both convicted of Second-Degree Murder, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencings took place on October 28, 2024.

Theodora Belt, age 48, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison on the murder charge and 10 years in prison on each of the remaining assault charges, all to run concurrently. Bailey Belt, age 23, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison on the murder charge and 10 years in prison on the assault charges involving two separate victims, all to run concurrently.

Both defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. On, June 28, 2024, mother and son were convicted following a federal jury trial of all counts in the Indictment.

The convictions stem from an incident that occurred on May 27, 2023, in Bridger, in 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, which ultimately killed 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. He survived the assault.

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 Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement. 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.