Rolette Co. Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed
Rolette County (trfnews.i234.me) – A federal wrongful death case has been filed in connection with the December 29, 2023, police shooting of 32-year-old Jordan Ray Parisien on the Turtle Mountain Reservation.
The lawsuit, filed on September 12, was brought by Parisien’s father, Linus John Parisien. Court documents allege that Jordan Parisien was unarmed when he was shot multiple times by a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer. The filing claims officers failed to use de-escalation before resorting to deadly force.
According to the complaint, three officers were at the scene, but only one discharged a weapon. The final autopsy cited four gunshot wounds — two to the chest, one to the back, and one to the head. The complaint also states the weapon appeared to be an AR-15 or AR-16 style rifle.
Video evidence submitted to the court is said to show Parisien standing in a non-threatening manner. Another video sent anonymously to his father reportedly shows no weapon in Parisien’s hands when he was shot.
The case lists two counts against the United States. The first is wrongful death, alleging the officer killed an unarmed man. The second is a survival action, filed on behalf of the estate, seeking damages for Parisien’s suffering before death. The lawsuit requests $25 million in damages or an amount determined at trial. It cites loss of companionship, emotional harm, lost financial support, and other damages allowed under North Dakota law.
The case remains ongoing in federal court. For background on wrongful death claims, visit the Legal Information Institute.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Jordan Ray Parisien