On February 21, 2024 in Rapid City, South Dakota, 25-year-old Esther Wolfe, a respected member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, encountered a tragic fate in what authorities have termed a “public execution.”
Wolfe’s life was cut short in a calculated act of violence orchestrated by Ezekiel Mayweather, 23, with the help of Arkadius Wright. Mayweather is charged with aiding and abetting the murder.
Wright, 21, identified as the alleged shooter, was arrested a week after the incident and charged with first-degree murder. Reports indicate that Wright, acting on instructions from Mayweather, shot Wolfe between the eyes in an unprovoked and premeditated attack in front of witnesses.
Investigators report that Mayweather, driven by a “misguided belief,” blamed Wolfe for the death of his brother, Michael Mayweather, in 2019.
At the age of 20, Michael Mayweather was discovered deceased from a gunshot wound to the head outside a residence in North Rapid. No firearm was located in his vicinity, leading investigators to treat the case as a homicide initially. However, the police later concluded that Michael Mayweather’s death was the result of a “self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
The tragic irony does not end here; Wolfe was killed on what would have been Michael Mayweather’s birthday, adding a chilling dimension to the crime.
Magistrate Judge Todd Hyronimus revoked the initial bond set for Mayweather at $50,000 after further evidence emerged, highlighting Mayweather’s extensive involvement in the murder. Both suspects now face severe penalties, including life imprisonment, as they await their arraignment.
Wolfe’s sisters, Justine and Krystal Eagle Bull remembered her as a beloved aunt, sister, and friend. Their statements glimpse the profound void left by her untimely departure. “She will be greatly missed,” they shared, highlighting Wolfe’s impact on those around her.
This case illuminates the destructive power of false beliefs and the importance of seeking truth. As the community grapples with this tragedy, the legal proceedings against Mayweather and Wright promise to be a focal point for seeking justice for Esther Wolfe. The suspects are set for arraignment, a step toward addressing the repercussions of their actions.