Man, Woman Strangled 15-Year-Old, Tied His Body to Tree and Returned Hours Later to Set Him on Fire: Feds

In a tragic case that has shocked the local community, Dillion Millard, aged 27, and Charmaine Medicine, 31, were sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on 10 August 2026 for the murder of 15-year-old Alize Millard. The horrific crime took place on 9 July 2019, when Alize, who was Dillion’s cousin, was found tied to a tree and set alight on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in Todd County, South Dakota.

Alize’s family have been left mourning the loss of a young life full of potential. His mother, Jamie Millard, expressed her desire for her son to be remembered for his “beautiful smile,” indicating the profound pain that has accompanied their loss. His grandmother, Mary Gibbs, recounted the struggles the family has faced in the wake of this tragedy, promising to never forgive Dillion for the heartache his actions have caused.

The details surrounding this case are deeply disturbing. According to prosecutors, on the night of the incident, Millard and Medicine picked up Alize, claiming they were going to share drinks. After luring him to a secluded area, they encouraged him to drink until he was heavily intoxicated. It was during this vulnerable state that Millard strangled Alize and subsequently tied his lifeless body to a tree using his belt.

Following their heinous act, the pair attempted to cover up their crime by returning to the scene later that night. In a further attempt to eliminate any evidence, they poured oil on Alize’s body and set him on fire. The grim discovery of his remains was made by hikers the following day, sending shockwaves throughout the local community and igniting a lengthy investigation.

The case remained unsolved until May 2024, when Millard confessed to the actions he took alongside Medicine, leading to their indictments and eventual guilty pleas. Millard entered a plea of guilty to second-degree murder in August 2025, while Medicine followed suit with her plea in May 2026. Their indictments were issued by a grand jury in June 2024, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are treating this tragic event.

U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons addressed the gravity of the situation in a statement, expressing both sadness and relief. He remarked on the inhumanity of the crime and acknowledged the importance of the outcome for Alize’s family, who have long awaited justice. Parsons also noted that this case, due to its nature as a violent crime occurring in Indian Country, was prosecuted under the federal Major Crimes Act.

The sentencing serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of human nature and the impacts of violence on families and communities. The legal repercussions faced by Millard and Medicine may offer some measure of closure to Alize’s family, though the emotional scars will remain.

As the sentence for the two defendants was announced, the community has responded with a mix of grief and relief. Residents of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation are left to grapple with the lasting effects of this tragedy while hoping for healing in the aftermath of such a profound loss.

Authorities continue to encourage open dialogue about crime prevention, setting aside time for reflection on how communities can come together in difficult times. While justice has been served in this case, the memories of Alize Millard will forever resonate within the hearts of those who knew him.