Thief River Falls, MN – Isaac Victor Kalinoski, 35, has been sentenced to 81 months in prison after being convicted of second-degree manslaughter in connection with the 2023 fentanyl overdose death of Hailey Ann Czapiewski.
Case Details
Location: Thief River Falls, MN
Incident Date: November 28, 2023
Victim: Hailey Ann Czapiewski (28) Defendant: Isaac Victor Kalinoski (35)
Sentence: 81 months in prison, with credit for 277 days served
Additional Penalties:
- Lifetime firearm ban unless civil rights are restored
- Ordered to provide a DNA sample
- $210 in fees and fines
What Happened?
Kalinoski sold a fentanyl pill to Czapiewski on November 28, 2023, fully aware of the potential danger. Czapiewski was found unresponsive that afternoon in her apartment, with her 2-year-old daughter sleeping beside her. An autopsy confirmed she died from fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity. Law enforcement found drug paraphernalia with fentanyl and meth residue in her apartment.
Emotional Victim Impact Statements
Before sentencing, Czapiewski’s family delivered heartbreaking statements about their loss:
Father, Paul Czapiewski:
“The day I had to bury my daughter was the hardest thing I had to do in my life.”
Mother, Michelle Lussier:
“Not a day goes by that my grandbabies don’t ask about their mom.”
Sister, Lexie Burkholder:
“Kalinoski was an active participant in drug distribution… He lacked compassion and regard for human life.”
Defense & Prosecution Arguments
Prosecution (Kristin Hanson):
- Sought 81-month prison sentence due to Kalinoski’s lack of remorse and continued drug activity while out on bond.
- Highlighted social media posts showing Kalinoski bragging about his notoriety.
Defense (Eric Gudmundson):
- Requested a shorter sentence (68-72 months) for a chance at redemption.
- Argued that Kalinoski’s addiction contributed to his behavior.
Kalinoski’s Other Convictions
Kalinoski was also sentenced for additional charges unrelated to Czapiewski’s death:
Second-degree DWI – Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test
- 364 days in jail (concurrent with manslaughter sentence)
- Credit for 278 days served
Fifth-degree Controlled Substance Crime (Meth Possession on Bond)
- 17 months in prison (concurrent with manslaughter sentence)
- Credit for 252 days served
Final Sentence Pronounced
Judge Tamara Yon followed sentencing guidelines, citing:
Kalinoski’s ongoing risk to public safety The devastating impact on Czapiewski’s family & children His continued drug-related offenses while out on bond
Kalinoski expressed regret in court but remains behind bars, facing the consequences of his actions.
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I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News