{KXLG – South Dakota} A mother and son from Bridger have been sentenced to significant prison terms for a violent attack that resulted in murder and serious injury. Theodora Belt, 48, and Bailey Belt, 23, were sentenced on October 28, 2024, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange of the U.S. District Court.
Theodora Belt was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for second-degree murder and 10 years each for two assault charges, to be served concurrently. Bailey Belt received a 27-year sentence for second-degree murder and 10 years each for two assault charges, also to be served concurrently.
The crimes occurred on the Cheyenne River Reservation on May 27, 2023. The Belts, who were visiting the victims’ home, became involved in an argument that escalated into a violent assault. The victims were punched, kicked, and beaten with a shovel. Victim #1 was subsequently run over by Theodora Belt’s car and tragically killed. Victim #2 suffered a severe head injury from a shovel blow and was airlifted to a hospital in Rapid City for treatment.
The FBI and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Troy R. Morley and Brian J. Murphy prosecuted the case.
The defendants were immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.
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