BILLINGS, Montana — The family of 15-year-old LJ Chíischipaalíash, whose traditional name means “Wraps Up His Tail” and who is also known as LJ Takes Horse, is demanding answers after alleging that he was assaulted during a confrontation at Lake Hills Golf Club on the Fourth of July.
The family alleges that Gary Shampeny, identified by them as the owner of Lake Hills Golf Club, confronted LJ while the teenager was playing his first-ever round of golf with family members. What began, according to the family’s account, as a dispute over LJ removing his shirt because of the summer heat allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation involving a golf cart, injuries, and an alleged racist remark.
A witness has also said she observed part of the encounter from her home near the golf course.
The allegations have generated widespread attention online, with family members and supporters calling for an investigation and accountability. However, Billings police have not publicly confirmed the allegations or announced charges against Shampeny, and the claims remain allegations unless established through an investigation or court proceedings.
LJ was playing his first round of golf
According to LJ’s grandmother, Linda, the teenager had recently received his first paycheck after working for two weeks at his first job.
LJ reportedly used some of that money to fulfill a goal he had been looking forward to: playing golf for the first time.
He went to Lake Hills Golf Club with his cousins, reportedly proud that he could use money he had earned himself to pay for the experience.
According to Linda’s account, the day took a disturbing turn while LJ was on the course.
As he searched for money he had misplaced, the teenager reportedly removed his shirt because of the heat.
Family alleges confrontation turned physical
Linda alleges that Shampeny approached LJ in a golf cart and repeatedly told him to put his shirt back on.
According to her account, LJ was focused on finding the money he had lost and did not understand why he was being confronted.
The family alleges that the encounter then escalated.
Linda claims Shampeny drove the golf cart into LJ multiple times before allegedly grabbing the teenager by his traditional braid, pulling out some of his hair and ripping an earring from his ear.
The family further alleges that Shampeny made a racist statement during the confrontation, telling LJ, “We don’t like your kind here.”
Those words have become a central part of the family’s claim that the incident was racially motivated.
Linda also alleges that LJ briefly defended himself before backing away because he recognized that the man confronting him was significantly older.
She further claims that Shampeny appeared to smell of alcohol and struck LJ with the golf cart again, causing an injury to his leg.
These claims have not been independently established, and authorities have not publicly confirmed the family’s account.
Teen reportedly ran to clubhouse for help
After the alleged confrontation, LJ reportedly ran toward the clubhouse to report what had happened.
According to his family, they were shocked when they learned that the person allegedly involved was Shampeny, whom they identified as the owner of Lake Hills Golf Club.
LJ’s cousins, Kylee and Breanna Old Elk, contacted the Billings Police Department, according to the family.
Officers subsequently responded to the golf course.
Linda alleges that Shampeny walked past the family and appeared unconcerned before leaving the property before police arrived.
She also said golf course employees appeared embarrassed by the
