United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Austin Cody Littlewind, also known as Austin Cody Littlewind Jr., has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. The 22-year-old from Spirit Lake appeared in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota in Fargo, where Chief Judge Peter D. Welte delivered the sentence. Following his prison term, Littlewind will undergo five years of supervised release with specific conditions.
Littlewind had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder within Indian country. In November 2023, he fatally stabbed a man in Fort Totten, North Dakota, during a confrontation over $40. As part of his sentence, he is required to pay restitution for funeral and related expenses.
"This crime was both extremely violent and totally pointless," stated 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. Our career prosecutors and partners at the FBI deserve credit for their successful efforts on this case and their dedication to public safety in Indian country."
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis added, "Senseless acts of violence have no place in our communities. Today’s sentencing reaffirms that committing a violent crime carries serious consequences. The FBI, alongside our tribal and law enforcement partners, will continue to seek justice for victims and hold offenders accountable."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Lori H. Conroy.
