By Mondell Keck | The Brookings Register
BROOKINGS — A Brookings man has been sentenced to 15 years in the South Dakota State Penitentiary for stabbing a woman at a Brookings residence in October.
Shawn E. Running Horse, 31, was sentenced on one count of domestic aggravated assault, a Class 3 felony in South Dakota, on May 22 by Circuit Court Judge Abigail Howard, according to court documents. Five of those years were suspended, and Running Horse also received credit for 218 days already served. He pleaded guilty on May 13 to the Oct. 16 incident.
The woman, described as Running Horse’s former girlfriend in a probable cause statement, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated in the emergency room at Brookings Health System. Furthermore, the statement indicated that Running Horse had been drinking alcoholic beverages when he stabbed her.
Running Horse was on parole for a third-offense simple assault conviction from Feb. 25, 2025, at the time of the stabbing, per the statement.
“This case provides another example of why parole needs more attention and resources. Mr. Running Horse had been released from prison and was on parole when this violent act occurred,” Brookings County State’s Attorney Dan Nelson said in a statement to The Brookings Register. “I believe this crime and many others across the state could be better prevented with parole reform. Our communities in South Dakota deserve better from the Department of Corrections.”
He added, “I’m thankful law enforcement responded quickly and provided the investigation necessary to place this violent individual back behind bars. Brookings County is safer after today’s sentencing.”
— Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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