Belcourt (trfnews.i234.me) — A 58-year-old man from Mandaree is charged with felony murder.
The charge follows a homicide at Sky Dancer Casino & Resort. The casino sits on the Turtle Mountain Reservation.
Rigoberto Mendez-Morales was taken into custody after a 911 call early Saturday. The victim’s identity has not been released.
911 call and detention
Court records say a 911 call came in around 6 a.m. Saturday. Turtle Mountain Bureau of Indian Affairs officers responded to the casino.
Investigators say officers detained Mendez-Morales shortly after they arrived. He was later transported to the Rolette Law Enforcement Center.
Court documents say he was booked around 10:30 a.m. Saturday. He remained in custody as of Monday.
FBI leads the investigation
The FBI is investigating the case. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services is assisting.
The FBI said there is no threat to the public. Officials have not released the victim’s name.
Authorities also have not shared the cause of death in public documents. The case remains active.
Tribal leaders call it domestic violence
Leadership with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa described the incident as domestic violence. Leaders called it a “senseless act.”
The tribe offered condolences to the victim’s family. Leaders said they hope the community supports the family.
Federal charges possible
The homicide happened on tribal land near Belcourt. That can place the case under federal jurisdiction.
Reports say federal charges are expected. The matter is under review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for North Dakota.
Court records show a bond hearing was held Monday morning. Additional hearings are expected.
Location and resources
Sky Dancer Casino & Resort is in Belcourt, North Dakota. The casino lists its address as 3965 Sky Dancer Way N.E.
For general information, visit the Sky Dancer Casino & Resort website.
The FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office is a regional contact point. Tips can be submitted at tips.fbi.gov.
Learn more about the BIA Office of Justice Services and its role in tribal policing.
Information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office in North Dakota is also posted online.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Throw the book at him