James Jumping Eagle finds out his fate for rape and murder charge

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - James Jumping Eagle the man who was found guilty of rape and murder of 82-year-old Reta McGovern in February of 2021 finds out his fate in court Monday.

For the murder charge, Jumping Eagle was given a life sentence without parole.

For the rape charge, he was given a 50-year sentence.

Before sentencing Jumping Eagle, Judge Robert Gusinsky addressed Jumping Eagle and said “You did the two worst things you can do to someone. I see no remorse. You’re a danger to society.”

The family of Reta McGovern was able to write letters addressing Jumping Eagle.

The McGovern family described Reta as “She was a sweet angel”

They also said “It has torn our entire family apart. Mom should still be here.”

This is Jumping Eagle’s fifth lifetime felony offense and now has three sexual assault charges.

Jumping Eagle did not have a comment and said he plans on appealing the sentence.

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