Opinion ID: 350606
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Evidence of Racial Identification

Text: 50 A necessary element of federal jurisdiction in this case is that the acts were committed by an Indian person against the person . . . of another Indian, 18 U.S.C. § 1153. Appellant contends that the government failed to meet its burden of proof as to this element. 51 The principal piece of evidence as to racial identification was a tribal roll, last updated in August of 1974. On this list were names identical to those of the appellant and the two victims. In addition, there was a large measure of circumstantial evidence. Jones testified that he lived on the reservation. (Tr. 447). Appellant's mother testified that she was a cousin of Miss Brown and that her children were very close to Miss Brown. (Tr. 667). Miss Brown's hospital record was admitted which indicated that she was an Indian. (Tr. 194). A friend of the appellant testified that he lived next to the home of the parents of X on the reservation. (Tr. 390-391). Another enrolled tribal member testified that the appellant's family home was located on the reservation about two blocks from where the assault and murder took place. (Tr. 197). 52 Although it has been held that enrollment or lack of enrollment is not determinative of one's status as an Indian, United States v. Ives, 504 F.2d 935, 953 (9th Cir. 1974), vacated on other grounds, 421 U.S. 944, 95 S.Ct. 1671, 44 L.Ed.2d 97 (1975), we feel that, while the evidence here is not overwhelming, it would appear to go beyond mere enrollment and suffice for purposes of the statute, at least where there is absolutely no evidence to the contrary. See also Azure v. United States, 248 F.2d 335 (8th Cir. 1957); cf. United States v. Heath, 509 F.2d 16 (9th Cir. 1974), where this court held tribal enrollment sufficient to allege jurisdiction for purposes of 18 U.S.C. § 1152.