Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A 17-year-old Grand Forks resident has pleaded guilty to five counts of attempted murder for a January shooting that injured two people.
Mason Wyatt Allery entered his guilty pleas Monday, Aug. 11, in Grand Forks County District Court. Prosecutors say he fired a handgun at an occupied vehicle, striking two of its five passengers in the forearms.
Attempted murder, a Class A felony, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Allery also pleaded guilty to Class C felony terrorizing, five counts of Class C felony reckless endangerment, Class A misdemeanor criminal mischief, and unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor.
According to Assistant Grand Forks County State’s Attorney Sarah Gereszek, the incident happened Jan. 3 near the Ramada Inn. Allery and co-defendant Walker Michael Poitra allegedly fled when officers arrived. Poitra was caught first, and Allery was found hiding in a shed, where a handgun was also recovered.
Witnesses reported seeing the teens earlier at the Knights Inn showing loaded guns. Video surveillance reportedly shows Allery pointing a firearm at someone in the hallway.
The confrontation escalated near the Ramada Inn when a vehicle carrying relatives of those in the hotel approached. Prosecutors say both teens opened fire, with police later recovering approximately 14 shell casings. The vehicle had multiple bullet holes, and two passengers were injured.
Poitra has maintained his innocence, with a court date set for Sept. 11.
A proposed plea deal in Allery’s case calls for a 20-year sentence, with 10 years suspended, leaving 10 years to serve. Under North Dakota’s 85% rule, he would serve at least eight and a half years before being eligible for parole. The agreement also includes five years of supervised probation, $3,000 in restitution for vehicle damage, and a no-contact order with victims.
A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered. A sentencing date has not been set.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Mason Wyatt Allery