TOKIO, NORTH DAKOTA (trfnews.i234.me) – A Spirit Lake Nation woman has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison for her role in the neglect death of a 3-year-old girl in her care.
Krissy Louise Hinsley, 37, of Tokio, received the maximum sentence of 10 years on two counts of child neglect Monday, July 28, in U.S. District Court in Fargo. Judge Peter Welte imposed five years on each count, served consecutively, and dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge as part of a plea agreement.
Hinsley pleaded guilty the same day to charges connected to the 2022 overdose death of Ariana McKay, who died after ingesting acetaminophen, a common pain relief drug. Prosecutors said earlier medical intervention could have saved the child’s life.
“Extreme Indifference to Human Life”
Judge Welte described Hinsley’s conduct as showing “extreme indifference to human life” and said Ariana endured “cruelty beyond human comprehension.”
Court records detailed harrowing living conditions, including a concrete floor soiled with animal waste, maggots, and an uncleaned litter box. Investigators said Hinsley and co-defendant Austin Ray Lester, Ariana’s father, frequently left the girl unsupervised while using drugs and sometimes withheld food from her.
The child was found unresponsive on Aug. 23, 2022, and later died at a hospital on Aug. 27, 2022.
Co-Defendant Still Awaits Sentencing
Lester pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, assault, and child neglect. His sentencing is set for Aug. 5, with prosecutors planning to recommend a 15-year prison term.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.