Northern Cheyenne man loses bid to lower murder sentence

Wednesday, November 28, 2012  

Vernon Kills On Top, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe who was convicted of murder, kidnapping and robbery, lost his bid to have his sentence lowered.

Kills On Top was initially sentenced to the death penalty for the 1987 murder of Marty Etchemendy. His sentence was overturned on appeal and he was later sentenced to two life terms, plus 40 years, in prison.

Montana law allows defendants to request a review of their sentence within 60 days. Kills On Top missed the deadline hat but he was granted an exemption because he wasn't advised of his rights.

The Sentence Review Division of the Montana Supreme Court, however, decline to lower his punishment.

Get the Story:
Judges uphold life sentences in Miles City murder case (The Billings Gazette 11/28)