A federal grand jury has indicted D’Angelo James Hunt, 26, of St. Michael, North Dakota, on ten federal felony charges including murder and manslaughter. The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota unsealed the indictment following Hunt’s initial charge by criminal complaint on November 17, 2025, for second-degree murder of an individual identified as I.H. Hunt remains in custody after waiving a detention hearing.
The indictment outlines multiple charges against Hunt: three counts of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a spouse or intimate partner; two counts of assault by strangulation; one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury; voluntary manslaughter; second-degree murder within Indian country; tampering with evidence; and use of fire to commit a felony. Six counts relate to assaults against J.M.P., along with one count of voluntary manslaughter involving J.M.P. The indictment also alleges that tampering with evidence and use of fire are connected to the murder charge.
Officials emphasized that an indictment is not proof of guilt and that Hunt is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase stated: “Today’s unsealing of this Indictment marks an important step toward justice in a case that has weighed heavily on the victims’ families and the Spirit Lake community for more than two years. No indictment can undo their loss, but it affirms our commitment to pursuing accountability with care, diligence, and resolve. Of course, an Indictment is not proof of guilt, and the Defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Violent crime remains one of the highest priorities of this office, and we will continue to devote the resources necessary to hold violent offenders accountable. I want to commend our law-enforcement partners, who have worked tirelessly and followed every lead to move this case forward. The investigation in this case is ongoing, with the goal of bringing a family some measure of closure through the recovery of J.M.P.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis, commented: “The charges alleged in this indictment are one more brutal example of violence against indigenous women. Too many women and men face fear and violence on tribal lands. Through exhaustive investigation and strong collaboration with our tribal, state, and federal partners, the FBI is fully committed to holding violent criminals accountable and protecting safe communities. The indictment of Hunt is the first step in securing much-deserved justice for two victims, their families, and the community.”
Billy Kirkland, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior said: “President Trump and Secretary Burgum are committed to bringing forth all available resources to protect tribal communities and deliver justice on behalf of the victims and their families. I appreciate the close collaboration with our law enforcement partners that led to this arrest and prosecution. Together, we may bring closure and peace to families impacted by violence and hold those responsible to account for their actions.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation leads this investigation alongside several agencies including Bureau of Indian Affairs; North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Lori H. Conroy & Samantha L. Schmidt as well as First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl from the U.S Attorney’s Office.
