Federal Jury Convicts Bullhead Man of Involuntary Manslaughter

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Daniel Brown, age 29, of Bullhead, South Dakota, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  United States District Judge Charles B. Kornmann presided over the trial proceedings.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of 8 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

According to the evidence presented at trial, on or about September 8, 2018, in Bullhead, South Dakota, Daniel Brown unlawfully killed Dionne Brown Otter by operating a motor vehicle recklessly while under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance.  Brown had a blood alcohol content of .22 percent and methamphetamine in his system.  While driving up an unmaintained steep hill that had a walking path, Brown lost control of his crew cab truck, causing it to roll down the hill.  As a result of the roll, two people were ejected, including Dionne Brown Otter.  The second individual also sustained serious injuries.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Jehangiri is prosecuting the case. 

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for December 16, 2019.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.