The North Dakota community is mourning the loss of three young men, including former Crow Creek High School basketball player Teron Sazue, due to a tragic act of gun violence.
On a fatal morning, Teron, along with Tayshawn Batesse and Timothy Janis, lost their lives in a shooting that has left their families, friends, and the broader Dakota community in huge suffering.
The tragedy has led to a surge of love and memories, along with growing calls to stop the gun violence harming communities.
A Promising Life Cut Short
Teron William Sazue was born in October 2001 in Mandan, North Dakota, to Elijah Sazue and Maria T. Provost.
Raised alongside his brother, Nunpa Kirkie, and his sister, Teron, he grew up with a deep love for basketball that shaped much of his life.
From his early days as a standout player at Crow Creek and White River High Schools to his time at United Tribes Technical College (UTTC), where he began studying in 2021, Teron’s passion for the game was undeniable.
His friendly smile and kindness made him well-liked by everyone, both on and off the court.
As James Giago Davies, a journalist who followed Teron’s career, recalled,
“I watched him hoop from the time he was a chubby little butterball, before his voice changed. From White River to Crow Creek to UTTC. He was a good boy, easy to like, shy and nervous when interviewed—not too many players I ever liked more.”
Via Facebook
Davies’ words express how Teron made a strong impression on everyone he met.
The pain of Teron’s death is made even deeper by the recent loss of his father, Elijah Sazue, who passed away in 2024 after battling a long illness.
Teron had been struggling to cope with his father’s absence, and now his mother, Maria, faces the painful suffering of losing her son.
In an emotional message shared with the community, Maria expressed her heartbreak:
“Today has forever changed my heart, my soul, and my world. My heart, my soul, my world…my big son…has left us. He was shot and killed early this morning, and I don’t know what else to say, other than he has started his journey.”
Via Facebook
Maria expressed a mother’s deep love and loss, asking the community to pray for Teron, to “talk to him” and “leave some food and water out for him” to ensure he feels safe on his journey to the “Star Nation.”
She also asked that people honor her son by refraining from drinking or getting high in his memory, instead encouraging them to “go inside and pray. Hug your loved ones. Rest.” Her message is a powerful reminder of the need for healing and unity in the face of such a tragedy.
Teron’s Death Shocked the Dakota Community, Leading to Heartfelt Tributes
United Tribes Men’s Basketball shared a heartfelt condolence:
Teron’s uncle, Kansas Middleten, shared his devastation:
“The greatest honor is being your Uncle. It breaks my heart nephew, knowing you’re taking your journey before your time. You’re still just a baby.”
Via Facebook
Violet Martinez, Teron’s longtime girlfriend, poured her heart out in a moving tribute:
“I’ve known loss and hurt, but never like this. Teron William Sazue, you cared for me when you had battles in your own mind. I will never forget those hazel eyes looking into mine right before I prayed over you… My partner, my bear, my boyfriend, I love you so much.”
Via Facebook
Violet’s words show a young man who loved deeply and faced his struggles with courage, even as he supported those around him.
The Tragic Incident
According to authorities, the shooting in Lower Brule left three people dead, including one suspect who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Chairman Boyd Gourneau confirmed that one suspect has been apprehended, while another remains at large.
The investigation is ongoing, and the community is left suffering with the senseless violence that took Teron, Tayshawn, and Timothy from their loved ones.
The loss of these three young men has reignited conversations about gun violence in Native American communities.
The Dakota community, already burdened by systemic challenges, now mourns the loss of three individuals who had so much potential.
Maria has invited the community to gather at Tunwin Roxanne Sazue’s residence on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 8:00 PM CST for a prayer service to honor Teron.
The gathering is an opportunity for those who loved him to come together, share memories, and find solace in their shared grief.
Maria also shared that Teron’s body has been transported to Sioux Falls for an autopsy, with funeral arrangements to follow.
She expressed her desire for the process to be “beautiful, because he was so beautiful to me… to all of us.”
Teron’s legacy is one of kindness, resilience, and a love for basketball that brought joy to those around him.
His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and teammates, who will carry his spirit forward.
The Dakota community now faces the challenge of healing from this tragedy while advocating for an end to the gun violence that continues to claim lives like Teron’s, Tayshawn’s, and Timothy’s.
