Update

Slaughter of White Buffalo Calf Case Takes a Strange Turn

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »


GREENVILLE, TEXAS – As the Native News Network reported, a grand jury was placed on July 2 and was due to meet in Hunt County, Texas last Friday to determine if there is enough evidence to bring charges in the death of Lightning Medicine Cloud, a rare white buffalo calf and his mother, senselessly slaughtered in late April.

White Buffalo Lightning Medicine CloudMatters relating to the deaths of the 2 bison.

In a strange turn of events, the grand jury did not meet. However, on the day the grand jury was due to convene, owners of Lightning Medicine Cloud, Arby and Pat Little Soldier, were summoned by law enforcement to answer questions and matters relating to the deaths of the two bison.

The couple met with Hunt County Sheriff Deputy Roger Seals and Texas Ranger Laura Simmons for three hours for an interview and interrogation.

It appears Arby and Pat Little Soldier are considered "suspects" in the slaughter of the sacred white buffalo calf, as they were questioned about an insurance policy on Lightning Medicine Cloud, monies from donations to the reward fund, the Scholarship Powwow Fund, and care/maintenance of the buffalo before and after the April slaying.

Ms. Simmons reported there were conflicting details and stories from the interviews they conducted with other suspects, and even with all of the information Little Soldiers presented from proof of ownership of the buffalo, to veterinarian statements, she was NOT convinced the motives of "hate and jealousy" were enough to proceed with this case.

The term, "cold case" was used to describe the current status of this horrendous crime.

Pat and Arby Little SoldierPat and Arby Little Soldier

As a result of last Friday's meeting, the Little Soldiers are fighting back on what they consider disrespectful handling by law enforcement officials. They have shared the following facts for all supporters, friends, mourners, and interested persons:

  • There was not an insurance policy on Lightning Medicine Cloud. A policy from Lloyds of London was offered to the Little Soldiers for $100,000.00 at a cost of $10,000, which was declined due to lack of funds. Lightning Medicine Cloud was a gift from God. No monetary value could replace what he meant to the Little Soldiers and the thousands who were blessed by his birth, and message.
  • There is no doubt that the people who killed Lightning Medicine Cloud had to be very close and trusted by the Little Soldiers. Due to the similarities between Lightning Medicine Cloud and his half-brother, Red Cloud, it was very difficult to tell them apart from December 2011 to April 2012. Only the Little Soldiers and war chiefs were able to make that distinction.
  • Arby and Pat Little Soldier have announced to Hunt County Sheriff and Texas Ranger, in charge of this case, 5 prime suspects, specific details of past events which lead to the slaughter of Lightning Medicine Cloud, and motives. No written reports from either Hunt County Sheriff or Texas Ranger Departments have been supplied to the Little Soldiers, after 2 months.
  • Following the meeting with Little Soldiers, Frank Owens, Sheriff Seals, and Texas Ranger Simmons, the Little Soldiers have concluded there is no other recourse than to take this case to a national/federal level, for justice to be served. Arby and Pat Little Soldier will spend whatever is necessary to complete due process of the law, until justice has been served for this senseless crime.
  • The Reward Fund of $45,000.00 is from the following persons: Arby and Pat Little Soldier donating $20,000 of personal money made from the sale of two horses in Oklahoma City the weekend Lightning Medicine Cloud was slaughtered; $5,000 from an anonymous supporter who sent their check to Hunt Co. Sheriff Dept. along with a letter explaining that the $5,000 can be used for the conviction of the people responsible for Lightning Medicine Cloud''s slaughter, or for the Scholarship Powwow, or for whatever expenses were accrued at Lakota Ranch due to the death of Lightning Medicine Cloud. That check was mailed to the Little Soldiers in May from the Hunt County Sheriff Department and deposited into Alliance Bank.
  • The remaining $20,000 was verbally offered by a group of businessmen from Dallas and surrounding areas, to match the amount from the Little Soldiers, but is not in their possession, nor in a bank account of theirs. Names of the donors were given to Ms. Simmons. The Reward Fund of $45,000 for the conviction of persons who killed Lightning Medicine Cloud remains intact.
  • Nobie Walker, Hunt County District Attorney and US Representative Dan Flynn have been very supportive in seeing this crime brought to justice and anyone wishing to contact either on behalf of this case, are urged to email them as follows:
  • Nobie Walker: nwalker@huntcounty.net and
  • US Representative Dan Flynn: dan.flynn@house.state.tx.us.
  • The Annual Greenville Scholarship Powwow and Memorial For Lightning Medicine Cloud WILL CONTINUE each year on the weekend closest to LMC's birthday, May 11th. To date, two white buffalo bulls and twelve additional buffalo cows have been donated to the Little Soldiers. Plans to ship/deliver these buffalo are on hold until Lightning Medicine Cloud's case is completed.

The Little Soldiers further posted this message on their website:

"JUSTICE FOR LIGHTNING MEDICINE CLOUD IN 2012" is ongoing. With gratitude for the compassion to all whom have sent emails, letters, cards, gifts, and donations for this cause, May You Be Blessed Indeed. "AHO"

.

Arby and Pat Little Soldier will continue to stay true to who they are and what Lightning Medicine Cloud's life was all about, and are convinced justice will prevail. IN GOD WE TRUST.

posted August 2, 2012 8:40 am edt


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