The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on January 5, 2011, before Senior U.S. District Judge Jack D. Shanstrom, DOUGLAS LORENZO BIXBY, a 35-year-old resident of Lame Deer, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Sentencing has been set for April 5, 2011. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Suek, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On May 22, 2010, the victim, BIXBY, and others were drinking alcohol. At some point, they were dropped off at the rodeo grounds in Lame Deer near BIXBY's van. BIXBY was very drunk and backed over the victim and then left her at the rodeo grounds. After a missing persons report was filed by the victim's family, the victim's body was eventually found at the rodeo grounds.

When interviewed, BIXBY admitted that he was very drunk and has little memory of that night. He did admit that he knew he hit something and it is possible that he backed over the victim.

BIXBY faces possible penalties of 8 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.

 

 

Return to Top