Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Fargo – United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Austin Cody Littlewind, a/k/a Austin Cody Littlewind Jr., age 22, from Spirit Lake, appeared in United States District Court for the District of North Dakota in Fargo today and Chief Judge Peter D. Welte sentenced him to serve 192 months (16 years) in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release during which time Littlewind will be required to abide by a number of conditions. Littlewind had previously pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder within Indian country. In November of 2023, Littlewind stabbed another man to death in Fort Totten, North Dakota, after Littlewind confronted the man over $40. As part of sentence, Littlewind was also ordered to pay restitution for funeral and related expenses.
“This crime was both extremely violent and totally pointless,” Schneider said. “While there is no undoing the tragic loss of life that occurred, we hope this sentence provides a measure of justice and reassures the community that violent criminals will be pursued, prosecuted, and sent to federal prison for their crimes. Our career prosecutors and partners at the FBI deserve credit for their successful efforts on this case and their dedication to public safety in Indian country.”
“Senseless acts of violence have no place in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Today’s sentencing reaffirms that committing a violent crime carries serious consequences. The FBI, alongside our tribal and law enforcement partners, will continue to seek justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Lori H. Conroy.
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