Tragedy in Dibble: Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Assault in Indian Country!
A 39-year-old man from Dibble, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison following an assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.
Billy Jack Waitman received his sentence after being charged with attempting to commit murder and causing severe injury to his mother, a terminally ill hospice patient, in December 2023.
Waitman, who had been living with his mother until July 2023, was reported to authorities in March 2023 after making hostile threats, including statements about killing her.
Law enforcement was alerted to his violent intentions, but the situation escalated in July, culminating in a physical assault.
On July 24, 2023, a family member arrived at the residence and discovered Waitman allegedly assaulting his mother. She was immediately taken to a hospital, where she succumbed to natural causes three days later, despite the physical trauma she endured.
This case underscores the federal jurisdiction over certain crimes within Indian Country, particularly those involving violent acts leading to serious bodily harm.
The 120-month sentence reflects the severity of the assault and the broader protections in place for vulnerable individuals in these jurisdictions.