A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City has indicted Leroy Casper Poowegup Reed, 42, from Whiterocks, Utah, on charges of first-degree murder. The indictment follows an incident last month where Reed allegedly killed another man using a bow and arrow.
According to court documents, the events unfolded on June 26, 2025. Officers from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting a possible vehicle accident in Whiterocks. Upon arrival, they discovered an unconscious man inside a black GMC pickup with an arrow protruding from his neck. The victim was declared deceased at the scene.
The documents allege that officers found Reed on the porch of a nearby residence, where he was reportedly yelling at law enforcement. Blood was also found on the road in front of his home. Reed was taken into custody after officers seized a bow and arrows from his residence.
Surveillance footage obtained by law enforcement reportedly shows the victim exiting his truck and approaching Reed’s home before Reed shot him with an arrow. The arrows found at Reed’s residence matched those recovered from the victim.
Reed faces charges of murder in the first degree while within Indian Country. His initial court appearance is scheduled for July 17, 2025, at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah announced the indictment. The investigation is being conducted by several agencies including the Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Vernal Resident Agency.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sam Pead and Victoria K. McFarland are handling prosecution duties for this case under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and violent crime through coordinated efforts across various justice departments.
It should be noted that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
