(GREAT FALLS) Shayanna Marie England of Heart Butte pleaded not guilty in federal court in Great Falls on Tuesday for the death of Eljay Young Running Crane.
England is charged with involuntary manslaughter, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to court documents, on January 16, England committed the act of reckless driving that caused the death of Eljay. She is also accused of assaulting another person that resulted in serious bodily injury.
England entered not guilty pleas during her appearance in court on Tuesday. She was released to her mother’s custody, but was ordered to abide by certain conditions until her next court appearance.
Among the conditions of her release:
- Must not violate federal, state, or local laws
- Must cooperate in the collection of a DNA sample if it requested
- Shall not harass, threaten, intimidate, tamper with, improperly influence or injure witnesses, jurors, informants, victims of offense charged
- Must not possess a firearm, destructive device, or other weapon
- Must not use alcohol, narcotics, or other controlled substances unless prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner
- Must submit to testing for a prohibited substance if required by the pretrial services office or supervising officer.
Violation of any conditions could result in a warrant being issued for England’s arrest. Her next court date has not yet been scheduled.
Eljay’s aunt Denise Grant says she is grateful that her family is getting so much support.
“You can tell he touched a lot of people lives and he is very import to us,” Grant said. “You know, we all know what happened. For this to take so long and for her to not even be arrested at that point in time when the incident happened…it is very frustrating. We have a lot of questions and we want justice.”
(JANUARY 17, 2018) The Montana Highway Patrol says that one person died in what was initially reported as a vehicle crash in Pondera County on Tuesday. According to the MHP, it happened along Heart Butte Road near Sweat Lodge Road at about 5:30 a.m.
Family members have told us that the person who died is Eljay Young Running Crane, who was 20 years old.
The following message was posted on the Heart Butte School Facebook page on Wednesday morning: “There are grief counselors available at the school for students and community members if anyone would like to visit come up.”
The Montana Highway Patrol has declined to release any details, but says that the Bureau of Indian Affairs is assisting with the investigation. We will update you as we get more details.
