Rapid City Man to Represent Himself in Murder Trial of Elderly Woman

48-year-old James Jumping Eagle has decided to represent himself in his upcoming murder trial. Jumping Eagle is accused of killing Reta McGovern in her Rapid City home in February 2021.

Jumping Eagle filed 11 motions in June, of which six were granted, two were denied, and three were withdrawn. The two motions that were denied were in connection to information about Jumping Eagle’s prior convictions.

Seventh Circuit Court Judge Robert Gusinsky stated that the state could speak on Jumping Eagle’s prior convictions, but that Jumping Eagle would be able to object in the trial.

Jumping Eagle’s trial is scheduled to start in September. If convicted, he faces mandatory life in prison.