United States of America v. Taylor Leigh Plain Bull

Billings, Montana second degree murder charge criminal defense lawyer represented Defendant, Taylor Leigh Plain Bull, 27, a transient, who was charged with second degree murder and to use of a firearm during a crime of violence as charged in an amended superseding information. Plain Bull faces life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the murder charge, and a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release on the firearm charge.



The government alleged that on Oct. 24, 2020, the victim, identified as Jane Doe, was driving from Pryor to Billings with a passenger, identified as John Doe, in the front passenger seat, and a child in the back seat. While Jane Doe was driving westbound on Blue Creek Road, she was passed by Plain Bull, who was driving a stolen truck eastbound toward Pryor. Plain Bull previously had been in a dating relationship with Jane Doe. The truck had been reported stolen in Billings and contained four firearms, including a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol.



The government alleged that after passing Jane Doe, Plain Bull turned around and chased after her. He passed her car, drove to the top of a hill, and stopped sideways on the roadway, blocking the road. Plain Bull got out of the truck and pointed a gun at Jane Doe's approaching car. Jane Doe stopped, told John Doe that it was Plain Bull and put her car in reverse. Plain Bull got back in the truck and ultimately forced Jane Doe's car off the road into the ditch. Jane Doe was unable to drive out of the ditch because of snowy conditions.



The government further alleged that Jane Doe locked the car doors as Plain Bull approached the passenger side of the car with a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol. Plain Bull knocked on the passenger window and asked John Doe who he was. John Doe told Plain Bull to remain calm. Plain Bull fired two shots. The first shot shattered the window and lodged in the dashboard. Plain Bull then reached in and put the gun to John Doe's temple. John Doe sustained an injury to his temple. The second bullet struck Jane Doe, who was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical responders.



Plain Bull drove away from the scene with the child and dropped the child off at another location. He called 911 after the shootings at least twice screaming that it was an accident and requesting an ambulance. The government said that according to Plain Bull, he passed Jane Doe, she saw him and tried to pull over because he was going to give her money but ended up in the ditch because of the slippery roads. When Plain Bull approached the car, John Doe started giving him grief, he tried to pistol whip him, and the gun went off.



Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

18:1111.F FIRST DEGREE MURDER and 18:1153(a) CRIME ON A RESERVATION.

(1)

18:1111A.F SECOND DEGREE MURDER; 18:1153(a)CRIME ON A RESERVATION

(1s)

18:1111A.F SECOND DEGREE MURDER; 18:1153(a) CRIME ON A RESERVATION

(1ss)

18:924C.F USE OF A FIREARM DURING AND IN RELATION TO A CRIME OF VIOLENCE.

(2)

18:924C.F; 924(j)(1) and 3598 USE OF A FIREARM DURING AND IN RELATION TO A CRIME OF VIOLENCE

(2s)

18:924C.F, 924(j)(1), 3598 USE OF A FIREARM DURING AND IN RELATION TO A CRIME OF VIOLENCE

(2ss)

18:113A.F ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO COMMIT MURDER and 18:1153(a) CRIME ON A RESERVATION.

(3)

18:924C.F USE OF A FIREARM DURING AND IN RELATION TO CRIMES OF VIOLENCE.

(4)

03/03/2021 31 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Susan P. Watters: CHANGE OF PLEA HEARING as to Taylor Leigh Plain Bull held on 3/3/2021. Dft present and in custody appearing by video from Big Horn County Jail in Basin, WY with Federal Defender Steve Babcock; AUSA Lori Harper Suek. Dft waives personal presence and wishes to proceed by video. Oath administered. Dft states true name, age, education and past work. Govt states essence of the plea agreement. AUSA moves to interlineate the plea agreement to state that the dft wishes to plead to the amended superseding information; No objection by defense and Judge GRANTS. Dft has received a copy of the indictment, superseding information and amended superseding information, understands the charges. Dft wishes to proceed on the amended superseding information. Waiver of Indictment signed. No mental illness, drugs or alcohol that would affect the understanding of todays proceedings. Plea is voluntary without promises, force or threats. Dft advised of the max penalties and rights waived by a guilty plea. Elements and offer of proof read. Court GRANTs dfts motion to change plea. DFT PLEADS GUILTY TO COUNTS 1 AND 2 IN THE AMENDED SUPERSEDING INFORMATION and explains why he is guilty. Court accepts guilty plea, finding dft competent and plea is voluntarily made. PSR ordered and sentencing is set for 7/23/2021 at 9:30 am. At the time of sentencing the AUSA will move to dismiss the underlying indictment. Dft is remanded to the custody of USMS. Hearing commenced at 9:30 am and concluded at 10:10 am (Court Reporter Becky Sabo) (USPO: Matt Shea via ZOOM), (Hearing held in Billings-SMC) (AMC) (Entered: 03/03/2021)

03/03/2021 32 WAIVER OF INDICTMENT by Taylor Leigh Plain Bull (AMC) (Entered: 03/03/2021)

03/03/2021 33 ORDER SETTING SENTENCING. Sentencing set for 7/23/2021 at 09:30 AM in Billings, MT before Judge Susan P. Watters. Signed by Judge Susan P. Watters on 3/3/2021. (AMC) (Entered: 03/03/2021)