Cody James Belgarde, Second-Degree Murder and Arson, North Dakota 2021

FARGO, ND – Cody James Belgarde, 36, of St. Michael, North Dakota, will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder and arson, stemming from a horrific crime committed in January 2021. The victim, just two weeks past his seventeenth birthday, was shot and killed by Belgarde, who then attempted to cover his tracks by torching the house where the murder took place.

The eight-day trial, held in Fargo, featured testimony from over 30 witnesses, painstakingly piecing together the events of that January night. While the jury acquitted Belgarde of the more serious charge of first-degree murder, the conviction on second-degree murder and arson ensures he faces a substantial penalty. The verdict sends a clear message: violence, especially within Indian country, will not be tolerated.

U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider, District of North Dakota, hailed the verdict as a victory for justice. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to combating violent crime in Indian country,” Schneider stated. “This verdict is a credit to our career prosecutors and law enforcement partners at the FBI, BIA, and ATF, who relentlessly pursued justice in this tragic case.”

Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) played a crucial role in the investigation, meticulously examining the fire scene. ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley Engelbert of the St. Paul Field Division explained that certified fire investigators determined the origin and cause of the blaze, providing critical technical analysis during trial testimony. “Collaboration between law enforcement partners was tremendously effective and lead to the successful conclusion of this case. Hopefully, with this verdict, the family and loved ones of the victim can have some closure,” Engelbert said.

The FBI also contributed significantly to the investigation, with Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Jr. of the Minneapolis Field Division condemning Belgarde’s actions. “The FBI will not tolerate someone committing such abhorrent violence,” Winston said. “Mr. Belgrade proved he has no regard for the law or for human life when he brutally murdered an innocent victim. I’m proud of the collective efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to ensure this dangerous individual is held accountable.”

Cody James Belgarde is scheduled to be sentenced on March 6, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. in Fargo Courtroom 1 before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte. He faces a potential life sentence. The case was jointly prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Conroy and U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider. The investigation involved a multi-agency effort including the FBI, ATF, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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