NORTH DAKOTA — A Spirit Lake man was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison on Thursday, February 6, after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of a man over a $40 dispute.
Austin Cody Littlewind Jr., 22, admitted to stabbing the victim in November 2023 in Fort Totten, North Dakota. The case was prosecuted in federal court due to the crime occurring in Indian Country.
U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider condemned the crime, calling it both “extremely violent and totally pointless.” He emphasized that while justice cannot undo the loss of life, the sentence serves to reassure the community that violent offenders will be prosecuted and incarcerated.
The FBI and federal prosecutors worked on the case, with Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. stating, “Senseless acts of violence have no place in our communities.”
Following his prison term, Littlewind will face five years of supervised release with strict conditions. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay restitution for his victim’s funeral and related expenses.
The case underscores federal authorities’ commitment to prosecuting violent crimes in Indian Country and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me