Grand Forks County, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) — Nicholas Narveson, a Grand Forks resident, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison with 20 years suspended, resulting in a 40‑year term behind bars plus 5 years of probation, after being convicted of murder, reckless endangerment, and terrorizing in the fatal shooting of 53‑year‑old James Jorgensson on July 4, 2024, at Sled’s bar in downtown Grand Forks.
A jury found Narveson guilty of Class AA felony murder and two Class C felonies—terrorizing with a dangerous weapon and reckless endangerment showing extreme indifference. The sentencing was announced this late Friday morning following his conviction in June.
The case is now closed at the trial court level unless appeals follow.
In a recorded statement shared earlier this month from Grand Forks County Jail, Narveson maintained his actions were in self‑defense, saying he believed Jorgensson was reaching for a weapon when he shot him in fear for his life. He took responsibility for his actions but argued the jury ignored self-defense instructions regarding mistaken beliefs and retreat options.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.