VALENTINE, Neb. - A Crookston woman is facing multiple felony charges following the death of her 10-month-old foster child. Aquila Herman has been charged with manslaughter, first-degree assault and intentional child abuse resulting in death.

According to court documents, Herman called 911 at 12:44 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2024, reporting that her foster child had fallen from his bed and was unresponsive. The infant was later identified as Benjamin Yellow Eyes.

Law enforcement officers who arrived at the scene reported several suspicious details, including bloodstains on the bedsheets near the head of the bed and bruising on the baby's face.

After the boy was rushed to the hospital and declared dead, authorities further examined the body.
“Benjamin had broken blood vessels in the corners of his eyes. The bruises on his face were clearer and the placement of the bruises were consistent with the placement of fingertips gripping his face,” the affidavit reads. “He had bruises on the inside of both his upper and lower lip. His tongue had a wound that indicated that he had bitten it hard. There was bruising behind both of his ears, and his left ear with reddish purple with bruising.”

Additionally, court documents state that Benjamin had a large bruise along his left flank wrapping around his body, consistent with a firm grip. He also had bruises on his knees, the soles of his feet, and signs of further trauma, including blood in his anal area.

An arrest warrant was issued for Herman on March 13, with her first court appearance scheduled for March 17.

An online obituary for Yellow Eyes includes his birth and death dates but provides no further details.