Pine Ridge Woman Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Janine Faye Good Lance, age 44, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota of two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 11, 2024.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of eight years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

Good Lance was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2023.

Evidence at trial established that Good Lance operated a motor vehicle on November 18, 2022, while under the influence of alcohol. She drove off the road and rolled multiple times killing the two passengers in her vehicle. Good Lance’s BAC was between .105 and .125 at the time of the crash.

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be scheduled.