A Warm Springs man is facing federal charges in connection with a fatal shooting on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, according to official court documents. Carlos Ralph Miller-Smith, 31, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury after a shooting incident on October 25, which left an individual with a fatal gunshot wound to the temple.
Following the shooting, officers from the Warm Springs Police Department responded to the scene within the reservation boundaries. A witness to the incident identified Miller-Smith as the shooter, leading to his detention and court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. After his first court appearance, Miller-Smith was ordered detained pending further proceedings.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in collaboration with local police, is handling the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pamela Paaso and Kate Rochat are in charge of prosecuting the case. It has been made clear that a criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt, and Miller-Smith maintains his presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Miller-Smith's charges are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a national initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. This framework prioritizes fostering trust and legitimacy within communities, supports organizations that work to prevent violence, and ensures enforcement strategies are focused and results-measured. Detailed information regarding PSN's strategy and goals can be found on the Department of Justice website.
