Austin Ray Lester, 28, and Krissy Louise Hinsley, 25, both from Tokio, ND, are facing serious charges related to the death of a 3-year-old child on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
On April 19, 2024, Lester and Hinsley made initial appearances in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, where they were ordered detained pending further hearings. Trial is currently scheduled for June 25, 2024.
The charges against Lester and Hinsley include two counts of Child Neglect in Indian country and Involuntary Manslaughter. Lester is also facing an additional charge of Assault of a Child with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian country.
The case is related to the August 2022 death of a 3-year-old child within the boundaries of the Spirit Lake Reservation. Lester and Hinsley have both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori H. Conroy and Samantha Schmidt.
Lester and Hinsley’s detention comes as a result of the severity of the charges against them. The Spirit Lake Reservation community is still reeling from the loss of the 3-year-old child, and many are calling for justice to be served.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and holding those responsible for their harm accountable for their actions.
Austin Ray Lester and Krissy Louise Hinsley are scheduled to face trial on June 25, 2024. The outcome of the trial will determine the fate of the couple and bring closure to the Spirit Lake Reservation community.
Related Federal Cases
- Couple Charged with Child Neglect, Manslaughter · North Dakota
- Cannonball Woman Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter · North Dakota
- Dallas Thundershield Guilty in Spirit Lake Double Assault, Murder · North Dakota
- Dallas Wayne Thundershield Guilty of Murder on Spirit Lake Reservation · North Dakota
- Derick Colin Wilkinson Guilty in Brutal Fort Berthold Assault · North Dakota
Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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