Allegations Span Years of Abuse (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – A Clark County jury weighing serious sexual assault charges against former “Dances with Wolves” actor Nathan Chasing Horse ended its first day of deliberations without a verdict and prepared to return Friday.
Allegations Span Years of Abuse
Prosecutors portrayed Chasing Horse as a self-proclaimed medicine man who exploited his status within Native American communities to target women and girls. The case centers on 21 felony counts stemming from incidents prosecutors said occurred over nearly a decade.[1]
The trial unfolded over six days of testimony from nearly 20 witnesses, including alleged victims who described a pattern of coercion and assault. Chasing Horse, 49, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include sexual assault of a minor and first-degree kidnapping of a minor.
Investigators recovered electronic devices from his North Las Vegas home that contained graphic video evidence, which jurors viewed during the proceedings. The footage, lasting nearly 10 minutes, formed a cornerstone of the prosecution’s argument.[1]
Clashing Closings Highlight Evidence Divide
Closing arguments on Tuesday laid bare stark differences between the two sides. Prosecutor William Rowles urged jurors to trust victim testimonies, stating they required no further corroboration if found credible beyond a reasonable doubt.
“That video is evidence, and that video shows Nathan Chasing Horse having sex with a child for 9 minutes and 50 seconds,” Rowles told the panel.[1]
Defense attorney Craig Mueller countered by emphasizing absences in the state’s case. He pointed out the lack of eyewitness accounts, DNA, or physical proof linking Chasing Horse to the alleged acts.
- No one testified to seeing Chasing Horse with a victim in a compromising position.
- No DNA evidence tied him to any assault.
- No physical items proved sexual intercourse occurred.
- Testimonies relied heavily on recollections spanning years.
Jury Question Reveals Focus on Specific Counts
Deliberations began Thursday morning at 10 a.m. before District Judge Jessica Peterson. After roughly six hours, the jury sent a note seeking clarification on four intertwined charges: Count 4 for first-degree kidnapping of a minor and Counts 5, 6, and 7 for sexual assault of a minor under 16.
The panel asked whether an acquittal on the kidnapping count would render the assault charges inapplicable. Peterson instructed that each count stood independently, allowing jurors to evaluate them separately.[1]
The question suggested jurors pored over instructions and evidence tied to these most severe accusations. No further notes emerged that day, and the group adjourned until Friday.
What Lies Ahead for Chasing Horse
The trial drew intense scrutiny after multiple delays since Chasing Horse’s 2023 arrest. Jury selection took four days in mid-January, seating 12 jurors and four alternates from Clark County residents questioned on sensitive topics like sexual abuse and cultural practices.
Chasing Horse remains in custody as the process continues. A verdict could emerge swiftly or extend into next week, depending on the panel’s progress.
Key Takeaways:
- 21 felony counts, including assaults on minors.
- Video evidence and victim testimonies drive prosecution.
- Defense stresses lack of forensic proof.
- Jury’s charge query underscores deliberate approach.
As the jury reconvenes, the outcome will determine whether Chasing Horse faces conviction on any or all counts, potentially reshaping discussions on accountability for alleged cult leaders. What are your thoughts on the trial’s progress? Share in the comments below.
