'So many people affected:' Funeral held for slain Lame Deer 8-year-old boy

LAME DEER – The funeral service for eight-year-old Marquez Amias Dion deputy Ontiveros, who was shot and killed last week, was held Tuesday morning in the Lame Deer elementary school gymnasium.

Nearly 200 residents and community members attended to pay their respects to Ontiveros and his family.

Ontiveros was shot in a drive-by shooting last Wednesday and died from his injuries. The Northern Cheyenne Reservation was locked in the days that followed.

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

The service was led by Pastor Woody Brien.

“Thank you for the life Marquez lived,” Brien said. “Eight years of life. So many people touched.”

The other speakers included some of his Sunday school teachers. They all shared stories and fond memories of the little boy.

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

“There wasn’t a single dull moment in that classroom when Marquez was there,” Ontiveros’ teacher said. “I could hardly get through one lesson without him just needing a hug.”

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

A slide show was presented in his honor, which elicited much laughter from the audience as it showed clips of the boy celebrating a basketball shot and riding a mechanical horse.

All the speakers present commented on the great personality that Ontiveros had and said this was proven by the large number of people who were present to pay their respects.

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

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