RAPID CITY, S.D. – A 30-year-old man will spend 45 years in prison for the stabbing death of 21-year-old William “Willis” Medicine Eagle.
Joseph Poor Thunder was sentenced in Seventh Circuit Court after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the July 2026 killing. Prosecutors said Poor Thunder stabbed Medicine Eagle five times and left him to die. Poor Thunder, who was intoxicated at the time, told investigators he has no memory of the attack.
During sentencing, family members described Medicine Eagle as a caring young man who stood up for others and brought light to those around him. Several relatives urged the court to impose a life sentence.
Judge Matthew Brown called the killing barbaric and unnecessary before ordering the full 45-year prison term allowed under the plea agreement. Prosecutors say while no sentence can undo the loss, the ruling holds Poor Thunder accountable for taking Medicine Eagle’s life.
