Great Lakes Wire

Eugene Walter-George Rantanen, 37, of L’Anse, has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murder and first-degree child abuse in the death of his 19-month-old son, Carter. The sentencing was announced by Timothy VerHey, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney stated during sentencing that the punishment “will do justice” given the “horrendous treatment” of Carter by Rantanen.

Evidence presented at trial indicated that on February 19, 2024, Rantanen was alone with his son at their home on the L’Anse Reservation of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community when he called 911 to report that Carter was not breathing. Despite medical efforts at three hospitals, Carter died from head injuries on February 24. Medical testimony revealed that Carter suffered abusive assault and inflicted trauma. The medical examiner determined blunt-force trauma as the cause of death and ruled it a homicide. Prosecutors argued that Rantanen was the only person who could have committed the crime based on his exclusive access to Carter at the time. The jury found him guilty on both counts.

“This toddler’s life was tragic. His birth mother had arranged for him to be adopted by a loving family, but Rantanen insisted on having custody of Carter and all evidence suggests that, instead of loving and doting on and caring for Carter, Rantanen subjected him to months of abuse and neglect,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “Although this sentence will not bring this little boy back, we hope it provides some measure of justice and comfort to those who loved Carter, including his birth mother, adoptive parents, and family. My office will work tirelessly, even in difficult cases, to see that offenders are held accountable and justice is done.”

Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office added: “The conviction of Eugene Rantanen further ensures the public that this child predator and murderer will never again have the opportunity to harm another innocent young soul. I would like to first thank our dedicated team out of the FBI Marquette Resident Agency, whose tireless efforts made this outcome possible. This success was the result of our close partnership with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police, Village L’Anse Police, Baraga County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. To the family and loved ones of the innocent child, I extend my deepest condolences. The FBI in Michigan remains unwavering in protecting our children and reassuring our communities that justice will be served.”

The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI Marquette Resident Agency, Michigan State Police, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police, Baraga County Sheriff’s Office, Village L’Anse Police Department as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexis M. Sanford, Jeanne F. Long, and Theodore J. Greeley.

This case is part of broader efforts by federal authorities to address high rates of violence against Native American communities as part of initiatives targeting missing and murdered indigenous persons (MMIP). More information about these efforts can be found through resources provided by the Bureau of Indian Affairs at https://www.bia.gov/service/mmu/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-people-crisis.