Rapid City Fairgrounds Shooting Leaves Paul Nebel Critically Injured, Suspect Dead After Manhunt
Rapid City authorities continue investigating a fairgrounds shooting that critically injured Paul Nebel and ended with suspect John Troy Lee dead.
Authorities in Rapid City, South Dakota, are continuing to investigate a workplace shooting that unfolded on the Central States Fairgrounds property on the morning of June 7, leaving a longtime employee critically injured and setting off a multi-agency search that later extended beyond city and county boundaries.
According to the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the victim has been identified as 50-year-old Paul Nebel of Rapid City. Nebel served as the maintenance manager for the Central States Fairgrounds and reportedly suffered serious, life-threatening injuries during the incident. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and provided medical assistance as investigators began securing the area and gathering evidence.
Officials identified the suspect as 58-year-old John Troy Lee, also of Rapid City. Investigators say Lee was employed at the fairgrounds and had been living in a camper on the property. Preliminary information indicates the shooting occurred while Nebel was addressing a personnel-related matter involving Lee, though authorities have not yet disclosed additional details regarding the nature of the workplace issue or what immediately preceded the confrontation.
Following the shooting, law enforcement agencies launched an extensive search after Lee reportedly left the fairgrounds. Investigators worked throughout the day to track his movements while coordinating with multiple jurisdictions. The search eventually led authorities to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where tribal law enforcement officers became involved in the effort to locate him.
According to officials, Lee was later encountered by Oglala Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement. During that encounter, an officer-involved shooting occurred. Authorities confirmed that Lee was pronounced deceased. The circumstances surrounding that incident remain under investigation, and tribal officials have stated that Interim Chief Iver Crow Eagle is overseeing information related to the law enforcement encounter.
The investigation now involves several agencies, reflecting the complexity of events that unfolded across multiple jurisdictions. Assisting agencies include the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Oglala Sioux Tribal law enforcement. Officials say investigators are carefully reviewing evidence, witness statements, and timelines connected to both incidents.
While authorities have released the identities of those involved, many questions remain unanswered. Investigators have not publicly disclosed whether there were prior conflicts between Nebel and Lee, nor have they released information regarding any previous workplace concerns. Officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional details may be released as facts are verified.
The incident has deeply affected those connected to the Central States Fairgrounds, where employees and community members are now coping with the aftermath of a sudden and unexpected tragedy. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office expressed sympathy for everyone impacted, including Nebel’s family, friends, coworkers, and fairgrounds staff. As investigators continue their work, the focus remains on establishing a complete understanding of the events while supporting those affected by a case that has left the Rapid City community searching for answers.
