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 events related to fellow American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Aquash. He was found responsible for her passing and spent time in prison. In 2011, his sentence was reduced. This happened because he shared information during the legal process involving another person, John Graham. Looking Cloud was released from prison in 2020.

Early Life and Background

Arlo Looking Cloud is a member of the Lakota Sioux people. He grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. This reservation is an important place for the Lakota Sioux.

Involvement in Legal Matters

Arlo Looking Cloud became involved in a serious legal case. This case was about the passing of Anna Mae Aquash. She was also an activist with the American Indian Movement.

Events Involving Anna Mae Aquash

Anna Mae Aquash was a dedicated activist. In December 1975, she was with Looking Cloud and others. They traveled to a remote area on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Sadly, Anna Mae Aquash passed away there. Her body was found in February 1976.

Arrest and Court Proceedings

In March 2003, Arlo Looking Cloud was arrested. This happened in Denver, Colorado. He was arrested because of a warrant from federal authorities. The warrant was related to the events concerning Anna Mae Aquash.

The Trial of Arlo Looking Cloud

During the trial, several people shared what they knew. Darlene Nichols testified about conversations she heard. She mentioned that Leonard Peltier, another AIM activist, had spoken about past events. Nichols also said that some members of the American Indian Movement had concerns about Aquash.

Other witnesses also shared their experiences. Mathalene White Bear, a former AIM member, said Aquash felt unsafe. Looking Cloud stated that he drove Aquash to the location where she passed away. However, he said he did not know about any plan for her passing. He stated that another AIM member, John Graham, was involved.

Richard Two Elk, Looking Cloud's adopted brother, also testified. He said Looking Cloud contacted him in 1994. Looking Cloud asked for advice about the investigation into Aquash's passing. Two Elk believed his brother was following orders.

In February 2004, a jury found Arlo Looking Cloud responsible. This was for his role in the 1975 events leading to Aquash's passing.

Appeals and Sentence Change

In 2005, Looking Cloud tried to appeal the decision. He asked the United States Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to review his case. However, his appeal was not successful. His original sentence was upheld.

Later, in August 2011, a judge signed an order. This order reduced Looking Cloud's sentence. His original sentence was changed to 20 years. This reduction was in exchange for his testimony. He provided information during the legal process for John Graham. Looking Cloud shared more details about the events involving Aquash. He stated he was nearby when Graham was involved. Arlo Looking Cloud was released from prison on November 10, 2020.

Discussions and Perspectives

The court proceedings involving Arlo Looking Cloud have led to different opinions. Some people believe that Looking Cloud was not fully responsible. Russell Means, an American Indian Movement member, expressed his views. He felt that the legal outcome was unfair.

Looking Cloud himself stated that he was influenced before giving a statement. He wrote a letter in 2005. In it, he made claims about his trial attorney, Timothy Rensch. He suggested that his attorney worked with another lawyer.

Barry Bacharach, an attorney for Peltier, also commented. He said that the testimony used against Looking Cloud focused on AIM leaders. He felt it was not based on strong evidence against Looking Cloud directly.

Looking Cloud's court-appointed attorney, Timothy Rensch, also faced criticism. Some felt he did not build a strong enough defense. Looking Cloud asked for a new attorney during his appeal, but this was denied.

Even after Looking Cloud's sentence was reduced for his testimony against John Graham, the Graham Defense Committee offered help. They said they would help Looking Cloud form a legal appeals team. They believed his conviction lacked forensic evidence.