Gary Shampeny Accused of Assaulting 15-Year-Old Native Teen LJ Chíischipaalíash at Lake Hills Golf Club as Family and Witness Demand Justice Over Racist Attack

The family of 15-year-old LJ Chíischipaalíash (Wraps Up His Tail), also known as LJ Takes Horse, is demanding justice after alleging that Gary Shampeny, the owner of Lake Hills Golf Club in Billings, Montana, assaulted the Native teenager during a confrontation on the golf course on the Fourth of July.

According to the family, the incident occurred while LJ was enjoying his first-ever round of golf after using money from his first paycheck to pay for the experience. They allege that what began as a disagreement over LJ removing his shirt because of the heat quickly escalated into a violent and racially motivated attack involving a golf cart, physical assault, and racist remarks.

The allegations have sparked widespread outrage on social media, where family members and supporters are calling for a full investigation and accountability. As of the time of writing, law enforcement has not publicly confirmed the allegations or announced any charges.

Family Alleges Gary Shampeny Assaulted LJ Chíischipaalíash at Lake Hills Golf Club

In a Facebook post, LJ's grandmother, Linda, shared what she says happened to her grandson during what was supposed to be a memorable day.

According to Linda, LJ had recently received his first paycheck after working for two weeks at his first job. Wanting to fulfill a longtime dream of playing golf, the 15-year-old joined his cousins at Lake Hills Golf Club and proudly paid his own way onto the course.

While golfing, LJ reportedly lost some of the money he had brought with him. As he searched for the missing bills in the summer heat, he removed his shirt.

Linda alleges that Gary Shampeny approached LJ in a golf cart and repeatedly told him to put his shirt back on. She said LJ was focused on finding his money and did not understand why he was being confronted.

According to the family's account, Shampeny then allegedly drove the golf cart into LJ multiple times before grabbing him by his traditional braid, pulling out some of his hair, and ripping one of his earrings from his ear.

The family also alleges that Shampeny made a racist remark during the confrontation, telling the teenager, "We don't like your kind here."

Linda said LJ briefly defended himself before stopping because he realized the man was much older. She further alleged that Shampeny, who she claims smelled of alcohol, struck LJ with the golf cart once more, causing injuries to his leg.

Family Says the Golf Course Owner Left Before Police Arrived

Following the incident, LJ reportedly ran to the clubhouse to report what had happened.

According to Linda, the family was shocked to learn that the man involved was allegedly Gary Shampeny, the owner of Lake Hills Golf Club.

LJ's cousins, Kylee and Breanna Old Elk, contacted the Billings Police Department, and officers responded to the scene.

Linda claims Shampeny walked past the family while appearing unconcerned before leaving the property prior to police arriving. She said the golf course staff appeared embarrassed by what had happened.

The family says they filed a police report and were informed that investigators would seek a warrant as part of the investigation.

Neighbor Says She Witnessed Part of the Incident

The family's account has also been supported by Suzanne Madden Kujat, who said she and her husband witnessed part of the incident from their home overlooking the third tee box at Lake Hills Golf Club.

In a Facebook comment, Kujat clarified that she could not verify every detail that had been shared online. However, she said she personally observed LJ being followed by a golf cart that she identified as being driven by Gary Shampeny as the teenager crossed Glenhaven Drive.

According to Kujat, she shouted that the driver had struck LJ with the golf cart again, although she acknowledged she did not directly witness the moment of impact itself.

She said Shampeny then turned around and drove back toward the maintenance building while LJ continued walking toward the clubhouse along the second fairway.

Kujat also stated that several young people on the second hole witnessed what happened and could potentially provide additional information to investigators.

Reflecting on her own experiences, Kujat described Shampeny as "one of the most miserable and contentious people" she has ever dealt with over many years.

She praised LJ's cousins for contacting police and expressed her willingness to cooperate with investigators if needed.

"I am so thankful that LJ's cousins contacted the police as this is so unacceptable," Kujat wrote. "We are more than happy to provide the authorities with information if needed."

Uncle Calls the Incident a Hate Crime

LJ's uncle, Ben, also took to social media, identifying his nephew by his traditional name, Chíischipaalíash (Wraps Up His Tail).

Ben alleged that the teenager was physically assaulted, repeatedly struck with a golf cart, had his braid pulled, his earring ripped out, and was subjected to racist remarks during the confrontation.

He described the incident as a hate crime and called for both Gary Shampeny and Lake Hills Golf Club to be held accountable if the allegations are substantiated.

Ben wrote that LJ is "the victim of a hate crime in Billings, Montana," adding that both the owner and the business should face accountability.

His post has since been widely shared as supporters continue demanding justice for the 15-year-old.

Social Media Erupts as Family Demands Justice

The incident has generated significant attention online, with thousands of people expressing support for LJ and condemning the alleged attack.

Family members say the incident serves as a painful reminder of the racism Native Americans continue to face.

Linda said she never imagined having to once again prepare her grandson for the reality that, because he is Native and wears a traditional braid, he could become the target of hatred and discrimination.

Despite the traumatic experience, she said she is proud of LJ for remaining respectful toward responding officers and golf course staff while standing up against what the family believes was an act of hate.

Investigation Ongoing

As of publication, Billings Police have not publicly released additional information regarding the investigation, and no court has ruled on the allegations made against Gary Shampeny.

The allegations remain under investigation, and any determination regarding criminal responsibility will depend on the outcome of the police investigation and any future legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, LJ's family says they will continue seeking justice while encouraging anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information to cooperate with investigators.