Lance Alan Robertson, Second Degree Murder, North Dakota 2016

FARGO, ND — In a shocking turn of events, Lance Alan Robertson, 28, of Fort Totten, ND, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for intentionally inflicting death on 18-year-old Larse Weylin Azure, Jr. The gruesome crime took place on December 19, 2015, on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation.

According to the evidence presented, Robertson was consuming alcohol with family and friends while driving his vehicle on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation. When Robertson began to drive erratically, his passengers protested, asking Robertson to let someone else drive. Despite their pleas, Robertson refused to give up control of the vehicle.

A struggle ensued between Robertson and his brother for control of the car keys, at which point Robertson told the passengers to get out of his vehicle. As the passengers were walking along the side of the road, Robertson started his vehicle, revved the engine, backed up, crossed over the center line, and drove at three of the individuals, striking Larse Weylin Azure, Jr.

Azure died as a result of the injuries sustained from the vehicle. The incident was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Janice M. Morley.

On September 7, 2016, Robertson was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to 14 years’ imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay $14,560.94 in restitution, and $100 in special assessments. Upon his release from imprisonment, Robertson will be on supervised release for three years.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving. The spirit of the victims and their families demands justice, and it is our hope that this sentence will provide some measure of closure.

The sentencing hearing took place on September 7, 2016, in FARGO, ND. Robertson’s crimes will have a lasting impact on the community, and we will continue to follow this case and provide updates as necessary.

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