Peace Garden News

A Spirit Lake man, Austin Cody Littlewind, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for second-degree murder. The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota in Fargo issued the sentence. Chief Judge Peter D. Welte presided over the case and ordered that Littlewind, 22, will also serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.

Littlewind had previously pleaded guilty to the charge, which stemmed from a November 2023 incident in Fort Totten, North Dakota. He stabbed another man to death during a confrontation over $40. In addition to his prison sentence, Littlewind must pay restitution for funeral and related expenses.

"This crime was both extremely violent and totally pointless," said United States Attorney Mac Schneider. "While there is no undoing the tragic loss of life that occurred, we hope this sentence provides a measure of justice and reassures the community that violent criminals will be pursued, prosecuted, and sent to federal prison for their crimes."

Schneider praised the work of career prosecutors and FBI partners on this case for their dedication to public safety in Indian country.

"Senseless acts of violence have no place in our communities," stated Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. "Today's sentencing reaffirms that committing a violent crime carries serious consequences."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with Assistant US Attorney Lori H. Conroy handling the prosecution.