Murder of Wesley Bad Heart Bull facts for kids

Wesley Bad Heart Bull (born June 10, 1952 – died January 27, 1973) was a young Native American man. His death became a very important event that led to the Wounded Knee Incident. This was a major protest by Native Americans in 1973.

Early Life

Wesley Charles Bad Heart Bull was born on June 10, 1952. His birthplace was the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He was one of many children in his family. He had older brothers, Verlyn and Vincent, and younger siblings, Trina, Henry, Imogene, and Julie. He also had a younger half-brother, Jamie.

The Death of Wesley

On January 27, 1973, Wesley Bad Heart Bull was in Buffalo Gap, South Dakota. He was badly hurt by a man named Darld Schmitz. Wesley died from his injuries while being taken to a hospital.

Authorities in Custer County said that some people who saw what happened claimed Schmitz acted in self-defense. Schmitz was arrested a few days later. He was accused of a serious crime related to Wesley's death. However, he later admitted to a lesser charge and spent a very short time in jail. He was then released on bail. Many people felt this punishment was too light, especially since Wesley was Native American and Schmitz was White.

Protests and the Custer Courthouse

After Wesley's death, people who supported Native American rights became involved. In January 1973, Dennis Banks, a leader of the American Indian Movement (AIM), called for members to gather. AIM is a group that works for Native American civil rights.

Wesley's mother, Sarah Bad Heart Bull, contacted AIM. She wanted to show how important Native American lives were. She also wanted to highlight the unfairness of the charges in her son's case.

About 200 Native Americans came to protest Wesley's death. They were upset about the light charge given to Schmitz. Leaders from AIM, including Russell Means, Dennis Banks, Leonard Crow Dog, and Harry David Hill, tried to meet with the state's attorney.

At first, they were not allowed into the courthouse. When Russell Means tried to bring Sarah Bad Heart Bull inside, both were stopped by police. A signal was given, and many police officers with batons moved towards the crowd. The protests then turned into a difficult situation. Native American people faced many police forces, and federal observers were also watching. The police outnumbered the protesters.

During the protests, some police cars and buildings were damaged by fire. The Custer County Courthouse and a nearby business building caught fire. Cars were damaged, and objects were thrown at police and buildings. A flare caused the courthouse to catch fire, damaging it badly. Another building, the Custer Chamber of Commerce, also burned down. A gas station and an oil station were also set on fire, causing damage.

Many people of Native American descent were arrested, including Russell Means, Dennis Banks, and Sarah Bad Heart Bull. Wesley's mother, Sarah, was found responsible for some of the events and spent time in prison. She was released after several months while waiting for a decision on her appeal.

Later that year, the person responsible for Wesley's death was found not guilty by a jury.

The Road to Wounded Knee

The death of Wesley Bad Heart Bull and the outcome of the legal case were very important. These events are seen as the main reason why the American Indian Movement decided to occupy Wounded Knee in 1973. This occupation, known as the Wounded Knee Incident, was a major protest for Native American rights.

Sarah Jennie Bad Heart Bull, Wesley's mother, passed away on February 18, 2013, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was 83 years old.

See also

• Raymond Yellow Thunder
• Harry Hill
• American Indian Movement
• Wounded Knee incident