Waylon S. Hicks, Voluntary Manslaughter, North Dakota 2014

BISMARCK - A shocking act of violence left one man dead in a motor vehicle parked at the New Town Marina on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. On July 20, 2012, Waylon S. Hicks, 22, Schurz, Nev., stabbed Jeremiah Sage in the chest while the two were in a vehicle. Hicks' actions would lead to a federal conviction and a lengthy prison sentence.

According to trial testimony, Hicks exited the vehicle after the initial stabbing and, while the vehicle was in motion, he jumped onto the running board and slashed Sage in the throat twice. Hicks fled on foot and called authorities. The vehicle subsequently caught on fire, but Sage's body was located inside the vehicle after the fire was extinguished. The North Dakota State Medical Examiner determined that Sage died from the stab wound to the chest.

Waylon S. Hicks was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter by a federal jury on September 20, 2013. U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland sentenced Hicks to nine years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Hicks was also ordered to pay restitution of $7043 and a special assessment of $100 to the Crime Victim's Fund.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Fort Berthold Agency, the Three Affiliated Tribes Police Department, the Mountrail County Sheriff's Office, and the North Dakota State Fire Marshal. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Volk prosecuted the case.

The sentence handed down to Waylon S. Hicks is a stark reminder of the severity of violent crimes in North Dakota. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on any developments.

The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of violence and the importance of prioritizing public safety. As the investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for such crimes are held accountable.

Waylon S. Hicks, 22, Schurz, Nev., was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for voluntary manslaughter. The crime occurred on July 20, 2012, in North Dakota. Hicks was found guilty on September 20, 2013, and was ordered to pay restitution of $7043 and a special assessment of $100 to the Crime Victim's Fund.

Defendant's name: Waylon S. Hicks

Criminal charges: Voluntary manslaughter

City and state: Bismarck, North Dakota

Exact date: January 24, 2014, (sentencing), July 20, 2012, (crime date)

Sentence or outcome: Nine years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release

Dollar amounts: $7043 (restitution), $100 (special assessment)

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nd/pr/nevada-man-sentenced-voluntary-manslaughter