Johnson Legislation Removes Statute of Limitations for Murder on Federal Lands

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced Kamisha’s Law to remove the statute of limitations for non-capital homicide crimes on federal and tribal lands. Kamisha’s Law honors Kamisha Nyvold, a toddler who was murdered in Sisseton, S.D., in 1992. Thirty years after the crime, new information led to the prosecution of the murderer, however, the five-year statute of limitations had passed. Prosecutors were unable to charge the defendant with second-degree murder. U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced identical legislation in the Senate. 

“This is a much overdue reform for families like Kamisha’s,” said Johnson. “It’s unfortunate that Kamisha’s killer will only spend ten years behind bars. I’m grateful for Senator Rounds’ leadership on this issue to ensure justice for victims and for the advocacy of Kamisha’s mother, Christine Irwin, and her husband Roger.”

“Prosecution for murder should not have an expiration date,” said Rounds. “In the case of Jay Adams Jr., new evidence was not brought forward until over three decades after Kamisha was murdered. While he was prosecuted under a plea deal, this legislation rights a wrong by eliminating the statute of limitations for second-degree murder on federal lands. I appreciate Kamisha’s mother Christine and her husband Roger for working with my team on this legislation, and I appreciate Representative Johnson agreeing to carry companion legislation in the House. I look forward to working with my colleagues to honor Kamisha’s memory and get it across the finish line.”

“Kamisha’s Law is about accountability, protection, and making sure no other family has to endure the pain we live with every day,” said Christine and Roger Irwin. “Our daughter, Kamisha, is more than a name attached to legislation. She is deeply loved, and her life mattered. This law honors her by turning loss into action and grief into meaningful change. Kamisha’s Law represents a commitment to doing better—to closing gaps that allow harm to continue. No family should have to fight for justice only after the unthinkable has already happened. We call on lawmakers from both parties to come together and pass Kamisha’s Law without delay. Protecting families by ensuring offenders receive appropriate sentences must rise above politics. Bipartisan support sends a clear message that human life, safety, and accountability are shared values. We are grateful to the leaders who have listened, who have shown compassion, and who have chosen to act. Kamisha’s legacy will be one of impact, awareness, and protection for others. We urge Congress to stand united, pass Kamisha’s Law, and ensure that Kamisha’s life leads to lasting change.”

Background: 

Kamisha Nyvold was a toddler who was murdered in Sisseton, S.D. in 1992. Thirty years after the crime, new information led to the prosecution of the murderer. However, the five-year statute of limitations had passed. Prosecutors were unable to charge the defendant with second-degree murder.

Prosecutors were forced to strike a deal with Kamisha’s killer, who then had to waive his statute of limitations and plea to manslaughter, resulting in a maximum 10-year sentence in federal prison.

Kamisha’s Law will eliminate the statute of limitations for non-capital homicide offenses on federal and tribal lands for the following crimes: 

• Second-degree murder
• Voluntary/attempted manslaughter
• Second-degree murder, voluntary/attempted manslaughter of U.S. government officers and employees engaged in official duties, and those assisting
• Second-degree murder, voluntary/attempted manslaughter of foreign officials, official guests, and internationally protected persons
• Second-degree murder by federal prisoners serving life sentences
• Second-degree murder, voluntary/attempted manslaughter on foreign soil of U.S. nationals by U.S. nationals
• Second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter by escaped federal prisoners serving life sentences
• Second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter of persons aiding federal law enforcement or state correctional officers

Click here for bill text.