A Federal Court Jury in Rapid City recently convicted a 52 year old man from Manderson of First Degree Felony Murder, Assault With Intent to Commit Arson, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Arson.
Reno Rondeau is facing a mandatory life prison sentence along with a $250,000 fine when he’s sentenced on May 18th.
The United States Attorney’s office reported in October 2024, Rondeau intentionally set fire to his brother’s residence near Manderson, South Dakota. When he set the fire, Rondeau knew the home was occupied by his brother and his brother’s friend, Tanya White Butterfly. White Butterfly, a former correctional officer with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, died in the fire. While Rondeau’s brother, John Rondeau, Sr., ultimately escaped the fire, he sustained burn injuries while trying to save White Butterfly’s life. The residence was completely destroyed in the fire.
A federal grand jury indicted Rondeau in December, 2024. He’s currently in the custody of the US Marshal’s Service.