In the autumn of 2015, the community of Eagle Butte on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota was shaken by the tragic death of 19-year-old East Lee, a male member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. His body was discovered on October 20, 2015, at Brueske Lake, a location near the town. An investigation determined that Lee had died from a single gunshot wound to the head. Authorities believe he was killed on either October 19 or October 20, 2015.
He was reportedly last seen alive at a residence in Eagle Butte after midnight on October 20th.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation took the lead in the homicide investigation. In an effort to generate leads, the FBI offered a $5,000 reward for any information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Lee's death. This reward was later matched by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, doubling the total to $10,000. Despite the financial incentive and pleas from law enforcement for public assistance, the case has grown cold.
Months after Lee's death, his family and community members held a "Justice for East Lee" march in Eagle Butte to bring renewed attention to the unsolved case and to mourn the loss of the young father, son, and friend. As of today, there have been no arrests made in connection with the murder of East Lee, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The investigation remains open, with the FBI continuing to ask anyone with information to come forward.
