Reno Rondeau, 52, of Manderson, South Dakota, has been sentenced to life in federal prison following his convictions for First Degree Felony Murder, Assault With Intent to Commit Arson, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Arson. U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler handed down the sentence on May 18, 2026, in Rapid City, following a jury trial in February 2026.
The convictions stem from an October 2024 incident where Rondeau intentionally set fire to his brother’s residence near Manderson, knowing it was occupied. Tanya White Butterfly, a former correctional officer with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, tragically died in the blaze, while his brother, John Rondeau, Sr., sustained burn injuries attempting to save her. The residence was completely destroyed.
U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons said, "This was a truly horrific crime and we grieve for the victims and their loved ones." He added, "Life in prison was the maximum punishment allowable by law in these circumstances, and we are grateful to the Court for this sentence." FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson expressed hope that the sentence would bring a "sense of justice" to Ms. White Butterfly's family. The case was prosecuted under the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute applicable to certain violent crimes in Indian country.