Winter Skye Bigtrack, Involuntary Manslaughter, North Dakota 2021

Fargo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter

In a shocking turn of events, Winter Skye Bigtrack, 19, of St. Michael, North Dakota, has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for his involvement in a deadly car crash on the Spirit Lake Reservation. The crash, which occurred on August 11, 2021, resulted in the deaths of three occupants of the vehicle Bigtrack was driving, including an adult male, a juvenile male, and a minor female.

Bigtrack, who was driving without a license, exceeded the posted speed limit, and passed in a no passing zone while under the influence of intoxicating liquor and a controlled substance, has pleaded guilty to three counts of Involuntary Manslaughter and one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. In addition to his prison sentence, Bigtrack has been ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release and pay $76,786.42 in restitution.

Further investigation revealed that Bigtrack’s reckless driving actions were a contributing factor to the tragic outcome of the crash. The occupants of the second vehicle involved in the crash received minor injuries. Bigtrack, however, suffered a broken collarbone.

Bigtrack’s sentencing comes as a federal grand jury has indicted the driver of the second involved vehicle, Trina Lily Hunt, age 19 also of St. Michael, ND, on the same charges. The indictment alleges that Hunt was driving a motor vehicle without a license while under the influence of intoxicating liquor and a controlled substance at high speeds exceeding the posted speed limit, and otherwise driving recklessly.

It is worth noting that grand jury indictments are allegations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the North Dakota Highway Patrol, and the case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, with Assistant United States Attorney Lori H. Conroy assigned to the case.

Bigtrack’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and driving under the influence. As the community mourns the loss of life, we hope that this sentence will serve as a warning to others who engage in similar behavior.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant/Respondent: Winter Skye Bigtrack, Exact Criminal Charges: Three Counts of Involuntary Manslaughter and One Count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, City and State: Fargo, North Dakota, Exact Date: August 11, 2021, Sentence or Outcome: 57 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release, Dollar Amounts: $76,786.42 restitution.

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