The driver of a car accused of causing the death of a Fort Kipp man was sentenced to one year and six months in prison.
Joanna Sayetsitty, 35, pleaded guilty in August to involuntary manslaughter. She was accused of running over 41-year-old Lakota Thomas First and leaving him to die.
Though the incident happened in 2019, it wasn’t until recently someone was arrested and charged with killing First.
On August 22, 2019, Sayetsitty was driving around the Fort Kipp area with the victim, drinking alcohol and listening to music. At some point, Sayetsitty and the victim had a fight, and the victim got out of the vehicle, charging documents state.
Sayetsitty drove away, running over the victim and leaving him in a field, where he died. The body was found three days later and was only identified after his clothing was described on social media, court documents state.
Sayetsitty admitted in a court hearing to driving the vehicle in a reckless manner, and striking the victim, causing his death.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy A. Johnson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice and the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office.
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