(Riverton, WY) – The latest episode of Dead & Gone in Wyoming revisits a 2020 episode about four girls from the Wind River Reservation: Elyxis (Ohetica) Win Gardner, Winter Rose Jenkins, and Alexandrea WhitePlume, who died in 2008, and Marisa Spoonhunter, who died in a separate incident in 2010.
Host Scott Fuller interviews Robert Spoonhunter, who pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of his younger sister, Marisa. After serving approximately 10 years in federal prison, Spoonhunter returned to the Wind River Reservation and completed the Northern Arapaho Reentry program. He has since helped other formerly incarcerated tribal members through the program.
The episode also features program director Terri Smith, a former Northern Arapaho Chief Judge who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and distribution of cocaine. Smith served six months in federal prison before becoming a certified peer specialist and establishing the reentry program.
Northern Arapaho Reentry helps tribal members returning from incarceration obtain identification, transportation, housing, treatment, employment, phones, and access to benefits. Smith identifies safe and sober housing as the program’s largest unmet need.
“Indigenous Revisited” examines addiction, incarceration, and the practical barriers people face after leaving prison while maintaining a clear distinction between rehabilitation and forgiveness.
Listen to the new episode of Dead & Gone in Wyoming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Content warning: The episode discusses the deaths of children, sexual assault, substance abuse, incarceration, and family violence.