Austin Cody Littlewind, Second-Degree Murder, North Dakota 2023

A 22-year-old man from Spirit Lake, North Dakota, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for second-degree murder in Indian country. Austin Cody Littlewind, also known as Austin Cody Littlewind Jr., had previously pleaded guilty to the crime.

According to court records, Littlewind stabbed another man to death in Fort Totten, North Dakota, in November 2023, after confronting the man over $40. As part of his sentence, Littlewind was ordered to pay restitution for funeral and related expenses.

The crime was described as ‘both extremely violent and totally pointless’ by United States Attorney Mac Schneider. Schneider expressed hope that the sentence would provide a measure of justice and reassure the community that violent criminals will be pursued, prosecuted, and sent to federal prison for their crimes.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Lori H. Conroy.

Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI Minneapolis office stated that ‘senseless acts of violence have no place in our communities.’ He emphasized that the FBI, along with tribal and law enforcement partners, will continue to seek justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.

Littlewind’s sentence includes 192 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. During this time, he will be required to abide by a number of conditions.

This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent crime in Indian country. The community can take comfort in knowing that the justice system is working to hold offenders accountable and provide justice for victims and their families.