Wyoming court hears Arapaho murder appeal

Thursday, August 16, 2007  

The Wyoming Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday in a murder case against a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe.

Andrew John Yellowbear Jr. was convicted of murdering his 22-month-old daughter Marcela Hope Yellowbear, who was a member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. He is serving sentence of life without parole in state prison.

But since the incident occurred in Riverton, he says he should not have been subject to state prosecution. His lawyer says the town is within the boundaries of the Wind River Reservation and is considered Indian Country.

The state argues that the reservation has been diminished. On four prior occasions, the state Supreme Court has ruled that Riverton is not Indian Country.

The Eastern Shoshone Tribe and Northern Arapaho Tribe say Riverton is under their jurisdiction.

Get the Story:
Court hears murder appeal (The Casper Star-Tribune 8/16)

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