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‘He touched so many people:’ funeral of 8-year-old boy, killed, lame deer

Online Niel October 30, 2024

LAME DEER — The funeral service for Lame Deer Ontiveros Deputy Marquez Amias Dion, 8, who was shot and killed last week, was held Tuesday morning at the Lame Deer Elementary School gymnasium.

Nearly 200 residents and community members were on hand to pay their respects to Ontiveros and his family.

Ontiveros was shot last Wednesday in an apparent drive-by shooting and died from his injuries. Northern Cheyenne Reservation went into lock down in the days that followed.

“Our beloved Quez was taken from us on October 25, 2024, due to catastrophic injuries from a gunshot wound,” a relative of Ontiveros said during the service. “Marquez loved everybody. It didn’t matter who you were. It didn’t matter where you came from.”

The service was officiated by Pastor Woody Brien.

“Thank you for the life Marquez lived,” Brien said. “Eight years of life. I’ve touched so many people.”

Other speakers included some of his Sunday school teachers. Each shared stories and fond memories of the little boy.

“His hobbies include basketball, horseback riding and being with family and friends,” the family member said.

“There was never a dull moment in that class when Marquez was there,” Ontiveros’ teacher said. “I could barely get through a class without him just needing a hug.”

Music was played throughout the service, including a drum song that was created especially for Ontiveros.

A slideshow was presented in his honor that drew laughter from the crowd as it featured clips of the boy celebrating a basketball shot and riding a mechanical horse.

All the speakers in attendance commented on the great personality Ontiveros had and said it turned out to be the number of people there to pay their respects.

“You could tell the personality in his life was always going to come out,” Ontiveros’ teacher said. “He was always quick to give a smile or a hug or give himself credit.

A suspect was arrested Sunday by tribal police in connection with the shooting. That suspect, who has not been identified, was sentenced to four years and nine months in tribal prison, the maximum allowed in tribal court. The FBI is investigating, and the suspect could face federal charges.