October 8, 2014

Alison Brown Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Manslaughter at Red Lake Indian Reservation

United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced the sentencing of ALISON ANN BROWN, 26, a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, to 78 months in federal prison for stabbing to death Byron Lussier, Sr., also a member of the Red Lake Band, in the early morning hours of July 4, 2013, at Lussier’s home on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. BROWN was indicted on August 5, 2013, and pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter on February 28, 2014. The Honorable Judge Donovan Frank handed down the sentence, which is within the recommended federal sentencing guidelines range, today in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minn.

“We are committed to fighting against senseless violence in Indian Country,” said U.S. Attorney Luger. “This case should serve as a reminder that violence is preventable, and treatment is available for those who suffer from addiction, and who may act maliciously when under the influence. I hope that today’s sentence brings some measure of closure to the family of the victim in this case.”

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, ALISON BROWN stabbed Byron Lussier, Sr., to death in the kitchen of his own home. On the evening of July 3, 2013, Lussier was at a party, from which he returned home with two friends early in the morning on July 4, 2013. BROWN, who was inebriated at the time, entered Lussier’s home. Despite Lussier’s demand that she leave, BROWN became angry, grabbed two kitchen knives and a BBQ grill fork, and stabbed Lussier in his face and torso. He died as a result of the wounds.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Red Lake Police Department.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clifford Wardlaw and Steven Schleicher.

Defendant Information:

ALISON ANN BROWN, 26 Red Lake, MN

Convicted:

  • Voluntary Manslaughter, one count

Sentenced:

  • 78 months in prison
  • Three year term of supervised release