Fargo, Cass County (trfnews.i234.me) — A man charged in a fatal bar stabbing has pleaded guilty.
The case dates back to a fight outside a south Fargo bar. The stabbing happened nearly two years ago.
What happened in court
Michael Diedrich, 28, entered an Alford plea in Cass County Court on Wednesday.
An Alford plea lets a defendant plead guilty without admitting the act.
He agrees prosecutors have enough evidence to convict. Diedrich also waived his right to a trial.
Judge Reid Brady accepted the plea. He called it reasonable and appropriate.
A binding plea deal sets a prison range of 20 to 25 years.
Time would be served with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
The sides still differ on the total sentence. Probation terms have not been set.
The defense seeks 40 years with 20 years in prison. The state seeks 40 years with 25 years in prison.
Prosecutor Ashlei Neufeld said she spoke with Ethan Larson’s family.
She said they agreed to the deal. She said it was not their first choice.
She said it was a result they could accept. Restitution will be decided later.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 26. The judge ordered a presentence report within 30 days.
Diedrich will remain in custody until sentencing.
What the police say happened
Fargo police arrested Diedrich in March 2024.
Police say the arrest came about 12 hours after the stabbing.
The attack happened outside SouthTown PourHouse and Duane’s House of Pizza.
Both businesses are on 45th Street South. Investigators say Diedrich and Larson argued inside the bar.
Staff told both men to leave. Police believe Diedrich stabbed Larson in the parking lot before 1 a.m.
He then ran from the area. First responders took Larson to a hospital.
He was later pronounced dead.
How to follow the case
Court records are handled by the North Dakota Court System.
The public can also use the state’s online case search portal.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.