Authorities continue investigating a shooting that took place on Sunday morning, June 7, 2026, at the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City.
The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Rapid City Police Department, confirmed that the victim was 50-year-old Paul Nebel of Rapid City. Nebel, who served as the fairgrounds’ maintenance manager, sustained serious, life-threatening injuries during the shooting.
Law enforcement identified the suspect as 58-year-old John Troy Lee, also of Rapid City. Lee, reportedly an employee who lived in a camper on the fairgrounds property, allegedly shot Nebel during a personnel-related dispute.
After the incident, Lee fled the scene, prompting an immediate search. He was later located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where an encounter with Oglala Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement resulted in an officer-involved shooting. Lee was pronounced dead at the scene. The Oglala Sioux Tribal government stated that Interim Chief Iver Crow Eagle is overseeing information regarding the incident.
Multiple agencies, including the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Oglala Sioux Tribal law enforcement, are assisting with the ongoing investigation. Authorities continue to gather evidence and examine the events leading up to both the fairgrounds shooting and the subsequent law enforcement confrontation.
Officials have not released further details about the motives behind the shooting or whether any prior incidents occurred between the individuals.
The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to those affected, saying, “Our continued thoughts are with Nebel’s family, friends, and our partners at the Central States Fair.”
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Investigator Jorge Salas at 605-394-6115. Additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.