ST. MICHAEL, ND – Cody James Belgarde, 37, will spend the next 27 years behind bars for the cold-blooded murder of a seventeen-year-old boy and the subsequent attempt to cover up the crime with fire. Chief Judge Peter D. Welte of the District of North Dakota handed down the 327-month sentence Monday following Belgarde’s conviction at trial in November 2023.
The grim details of the case reveal that in January 2021, Belgarde shot and killed the victim, who had just turned seventeen weeks prior. Instead of facing the consequences, Belgarde then deliberately set fire to the house where the shooting occurred, a desperate and failed attempt to destroy evidence of his horrific act. While a jury found sufficient evidence to convict Belgarde of Second-Degree Murder and Arson, they stopped short of a First-Degree Murder conviction.
“The violent murder of this young man was as utterly senseless as it was brutal,” stated U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider. “No amount of time in prison can undo the heart-rending and pointless loss of life in this case, but we hope this sentence provides a measure of justice for the victim’s family.” Schneider emphasized the United States Attorney’s Office’s commitment to public safety within tribal communities.
The investigation, a collaborative effort, involved agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The sheer number of agencies involved underscores the severity of the crime and the jurisdictional complexities inherent in cases occurring within Indian country.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Conroy and U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider led the prosecution, presenting evidence that ultimately convinced the jury of Belgarde’s guilt. The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences awaiting those who commit violent acts, particularly within vulnerable communities. Details of the original conviction can be found on the Department of Justice website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nd/pr/st-michael-nd-man-convicted-second-degree-murder-and-arson
The family of the victim has not released a statement. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in North Dakota’s tribal lands and the dedication required to bring perpetrators of violent crime to justice. The 27-year sentence, while offering some solace, will not bring back a life tragically cut short.
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