Kenel Man Cody Zephier Convicted of Federal Domestic Assault Charges on Standing Rock Reservation

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - A federal jury has found Cody Ben Zephier, 21, of Kenel, guilty of multiple felony domestic assault charges following a three‑day trial in U.S. District Court in Aberdeen, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.

Zephier was convicted on three counts: Assault of a Dating Partner by Strangulation, Assault of a Dating Partner Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury, and Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding. The verdict was returned on July 29, 2026.

According to federal prosecutors, the assault occurred during the early morning hours of June 27, 2025, inside the couple’s home in Kenel, located within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. The victim told investigators that after a brief argument, Zephier threw her to the floor, punched her repeatedly with “hammer fists,” kicked her, and choked her until she could not breathe. She suffered two broken wrists and extensive bruising to her face and neck.

The release notes that Zephier ultimately called 911, telling dispatchers he could not stop himself from “smacking” his girlfriend or her bleeding.

Because the incident occurred in Indian Country, the case was prosecuted federally under the Major Crimes Act, which mandates federal jurisdiction for certain violent offenses on tribal lands.

Zephier faces up to 16 years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, $600,000 in fines, and a $225 special assessment. Restitution may also be ordered.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem. Zephier remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

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