In early February 2022, the life of 17-year-old Shayna Youngman, a Native American female, was tragically cut short in Porcupine, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Last seen on February 3rd, her disappearance prompted a search that ended in heartbreak when her remains were discovered north of Manderson, South Dakota. The discovery immediately launched a homicide investigation by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, signaling a violent end to the young woman's
life.
The investigation into Shayna's death soon focused on her 29-year-old boyfriend, Tyson White Plume of Manderson. The fatal incident occurred at the residence of 44-year-old Sarah Stone in Rockyford. White Plume later admitted to pointing a pistol at Youngman and pulling the trigger. He had removed the magazine but had negligently failed to ensure there was not a bullet remaining in the chamber, a reckless act that resulted in the teenager's death.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Sarah Stone concealed what had happened, lying to law enforcement about her knowledge of the killing. This led to her facing legal consequences for her role in attempting to cover up the crime. Initially, both White Plume and Stone faced more severe charges, including second-degree murder and accessory to murder. However, in May 2024, they pleaded guilty to lesser charges. Tyson White Plume was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for voluntary manslaughter, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Sarah Stone was sentenced to time served and one year of supervised release for misprision of a felony.
