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Fargo Man Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Child Neglect
Fargo, ND – In a shocking turn of events, 29-year-old Austin Ray Lester of Tokio, North Dakota, appeared in United States District Court and pleaded guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter and two counts of Child Neglect in Indian country, as well as Assault of a Child with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian country.
The charges are related to the tragic August 2022 death of a three-year-old child within the boundaries of the Spirit Lake Reservation.
Lester’s sentencing date is scheduled for August 5, 2025.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Conroy.
A co-defendant, Krissy Louise Hinsley, was also charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Neglect in Indian country and is scheduled for a change of plea and sentencing hearing on July 28, 2025.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many to question how such a tragedy could occur.
Lester is currently awaiting sentencing, where he will face the consequences of his actions.
A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death is ongoing, with authorities working tirelessly to bring justice to the family.
Austin Ray Lester, a 29-year-old man from Tokio, North Dakota, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child neglect in connection with the death of a three-year-old child on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
The defendant faces a sentencing date of August 5, 2025.
Lester was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and two counts of Child Neglect in Indian country, as well as Assault of a Child with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian country.
Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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