Hays woman sentenced for assault leading to death on Fort Belknap Reservation

GREAT FALLS, Mont.- According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, a 24-year-old woman from Hays, Heavenlee Drewann Sears, was sentenced to 22 months in prison with three years of supervised release for her involvement in an assault that led to a man's death.

In Nov. 2025, Sears pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

The incident occurred on Sept. 30, 2023, when Fort Belknap law enforcement responded to a report at John Doe's house on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation.

Upon arrival, officers found John Doe injured and unconscious on the kitchen floor. According to court documents, Sears, Doe's daughter, and Alta Chandler were present at the scene.

John Doe was transported to Fort Belknap Indian Health Services with severe injuries. The injuries included a swollen face and multiple lacerations. Additionally, he was later life flighted to a higher level of care.

Despite medical efforts, John Doe passed away on Dec. 2011, 2023.

In an interview with the FBI, Sears admitted to drinking with Chandler and later assaulting John Doe with a peppermint schnapps bottle. Chandler also participated in the assault.