Thursday, June 6, 2024

Murder of Wilson Edison Black Elk, Jr. and Ronald Owen Hard Heart

Ronald Hard Heart and Wilson Black Elk Jr

On June 6, 1999, cousins Wilson "Wally" Black Elk, Jr. and Ronald Hard Heart were last seen on the main road to Pine Ridge, South Dakota from White Clay, Nebraska. The two were residents of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and had likely gone to White Clay (2 miles) to get alcohol. 

On June 8, 1999, their bodies were found at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in a culvert several hundred yards north of the Nebraska-South Dakota. It's believed that the two may have been killed in Nebraska and their bodies dumped where they were found. 

Many of the community believe that the two were victims of a hate crime for being Native American. It was not unheard of for hate crimes in the area. It was suspected that the Klan or members of it might have had something to do with the murders. 

In one article Wilson's niece stated that in the weeks leading up to his death, he was threatened by a bar owner over his $90 bar tab. He was even pulled from his vehicle by them. Wilson was scared cause he stated that the bar owner threatened to have the sheriff and his boys handle it if it wasn't paid. However, the FBI has stated that there was no evidence that the Sheriff and deputies were involved.

SOURCES:
FBI
Argus-Leader June 13, 1999
Star-Herald June 22, 1999
Omaha World-Herald June 23, 1999
Argus-Leader June 23, 1999
Argus-Leader June 27, 1999

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