Family, friends remember man killed outside casino

While police continue to search for the suspected killer, family and friends of a man shot to death on Friday gathered in Sioux Falls on Wednesday to honor his memory and reclaim the site for non-violence

"He was just a really great guy," former classmate Bethany Drapeau said. "He was always making somebody laugh."

The southeastern South Dakota chapter of Pax Christi, an international Catholic ministry that promotes non-violence, held a 15-minute Take Back the Site vigil for Baptiste White Eyes at the corner of 11th Street and Duluth Avenue at 5:15 p.m.

White Eyes was shot and killed on Friday in front of the Lucky Lady casino. Police are still looking for the suspect in the murder, 21-year-old Jared Stone.

Vigil attendees burned sage and lit candles in the parking lot where White Eyes was shot. Pax Christi member Jean Bhatti led the group in singing hymns and praying for peace.

Drapeau drove to the vigil from Brookings to remember her friend, whom she described as an active, happy person. She lit several white candles around a makeshift memorial set up in the parking lot, where mourners left flowers and other trinkets.

When she heard the news, Drapeau said she was shocked at the manner in which her friend died.

"It was unbelievable. It still took me a long time to realize what had happened, waking up every morning, it was like, 'Is this true?'" she said. "It's just heartbreaking to see him go like this, because he was never involved in drama."

White Eyes' wake was also held Wednesday at the National Guard Armory in Wagner, according to his obituary. His funeral will be held at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Wagner on Friday at 2 p.m., followed by burial at Holy Fellowship Episcopal Cemetery in rural Greenwood.

Rev. Pat Whitehorse-Carda of Holy Spirit Episcopal said she knew White Eyes, and that the family appreciated those who decided to hold a vigil for White Eyes in Sioux Falls. The family had had a private prayer service for White Eyes on Tuesday night.

"It was a time for them to be together," Whitehorse-Carda said.

Jean Tiger is a friend of White Eyes' mother's. She said she hoped that White Eyes' killer is found soon, saying that his death was senseless.

"It was a great loss for her," Tiger said of White Eyes' mother. "That boy needs to be caught."

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