The Eastern Shoshone Tribe and the Northern Arapaho Tribe are challenging the state of Wyoming's jurisdiction over a murder involving tribal members.

The tribes want Andrew Yellowbear Jr. brought to justice for the murder of his 22-month-old daughter, Marcela Hope Yellowbear. But they say the federal courts, not the state courts, should be handling the case.

Marcela Hope Yellowbear was killed in Riverton. The tribes say the town is still part of the Wind River Reservation but the state says the reservation was diminished.

Andrew Yellowbear was found guilty of murdering his daughter. He filed a challenge to the state's jurisdiction that the tribes are supporting.

Andrew Yellowbear is Arapaho. His daughter was enrolled Shoshone. The mother is Shoshone.

Get the Story:
Tribes intervene in Yellowbear case (The Casper Star-Tribune 4/30)

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