West River Eagle

Little Eagle woman charged with first degree murder in death of child




Desarae Makes Him First, 25 was indicted by a federal grand jury on the charges of First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Assault resulting in Serious Bodily Injury to a Child, and Child Abuse.


According to the Mobridge Tribune, five year old Grace Kills In Water was brought into the Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics to be treated for multiple injuries where she died from those injuries on October 12.


The federal indictment alleges that on or about between October 11 and October 12, Makes Him First repeatedly struck her child, causing injuries which led to the child’s death.  It is further alleged that these acts were committed while Makes Him First was committing the act of Felony Child Abuse.


Makes Him First appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on October 20, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.


The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment and/or a $1,000,000 fine.


The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Standing Rock Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   


Makes Him First was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not yet been set.



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