Arlo Looking Cloud facts for kids

Arlo Looking Cloud (born Fritz Arlo Looking Cloud; March 25, 1954) is a Native American former activist. He is known for his involvement in a significant legal case concerning fellow American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Aquash. He was found responsible in her death and served time in prison.

Early Life and Activism

Arlo Looking Cloud is a Lakota Sioux person. He grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. As a young man, he became involved with the American Indian Movement (AIM). This group worked to protect the rights and improve the lives of Native Americans.

The Anna Mae Aquash Case

Background of the Case

Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash was an important female activist within the American Indian Movement. In December 1975, Anna Mae Aquash was taken to a remote area of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Her body was found there in February 1976. Investigations showed that she had died from a gunshot wound.

Arrest and Investigation

In March 2003, Arlo Looking Cloud was arrested in Denver. This happened because federal authorities in South Dakota had issued a warrant for him. He was accused of being involved in the events that led to Anna Mae Aquash's death in 1975.

The Trial: United States v. Looking Cloud

During the trial, several people shared what they knew about the case. Darlene Nichols, a former AIM member, testified. She spoke about various events involving the American Indian Movement. These included the occupation of Wounded Knee and a shootout where two FBI agents died.

Nichols also mentioned that some AIM members suspected Anna Mae Aquash of being an informant. An informant is someone who secretly gives information to authorities. Mathalene White Bear, another former AIM member, said that Aquash felt her life was in danger.

Arlo Looking Cloud admitted that he drove Aquash to the location where she died. However, he stated that he did not know about any plan to harm her. He claimed that another AIM member, John Graham, was the one who shot Aquash.

Richard Two Elk, Arlo Looking Cloud's adopted brother, also testified. He said that Looking Cloud had contacted him in 1994. Looking Cloud was asking for advice about the investigation into Aquash's death. Two Elk believed his brother was involved but was "acting on orders."

In February 2004, a jury found Arlo Looking Cloud responsible for his role in Aquash's death.

Appeal and Sentence Change

In 2005, Looking Cloud tried to appeal the decision. However, the United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the original finding.

Later, in August 2011, a judge reduced Looking Cloud's sentence. His original life sentence was changed to 20 years. This happened because he provided testimony against John Graham in a related case. Looking Cloud's testimony further explained the events of Aquash's death. He stated that he was nearby when Graham shot Aquash. Arlo Looking Cloud was released from prison in November 2020.

Aftermath and Different Views

The legal proceedings against Arlo Looking Cloud have caused ongoing disagreements. Some people believe that Looking Cloud was not truly responsible.

Russell Means, a well-known American Indian Movement member, suggested that racism played a part in the jury's decision. He felt that a less powerful person was being blamed for actions ordered by AIM leaders.

In 2005, Arlo Looking Cloud wrote a letter. In it, he claimed that his trial lawyer had worked with an attorney for Leonard Peltier. He suggested that his legal materials were shared without his permission.

Similarly, Looking Cloud's court-appointed attorney was criticized. Some felt he did not build a strong enough defense for Looking Cloud. Looking Cloud asked for a new trial and a new attorney, but these requests were denied.

Despite Arlo Looking Cloud's testimony against John Graham, the Graham Defense Committee offered to help Looking Cloud. They believed that Looking Cloud's finding of responsibility was based on a lack of physical evidence. They stated, "We don't believe he intended to implicate John."