James Jumping Eagle trial enters its third day with continued witness testimony

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - The jury trial for a man accused of rape and murder of an 82-year-old woman entered its third day Wednesday.

James Jumping Eagle is accused of first-degree murder and second-degree rape in the 2021 death of Reta McGovern.

Wednesday, investigators with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office presented video evidence that establishes a timeline of events before and after the death occurred. Sergeant Amanda Swanson was called to the stand to demonstrate the believed route Jumping Eagle took.

Jumping Eagle’s defense maintains that Jumping Eagle was with another person, Sheldon Lapointe, when the death occurred but investigators denied seeing Lapointe in any video evidence they collected.

Additionally, the only evidence they collected related to Lapointe is a record of him staying at the Care Campus on the night of the murder.

This afternoon, forensic photos were shown of McGovern’s body and the position they found her in, her bedroom, living room, kitchen, and outside of the home.

There were photos of Jumping Eagle, which showed his full body, face, hands, and any injuries.

And there was evidence brought in to showcase items that had blood on them including a knife, bedroom drawers, and sheets.

Jumping Eagle’s trial is set to run through March 15.

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