October 6, 2014

Fort Yates Woman Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter

BISMARCK, ND—U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Oct. 6, 2014 Morning Star Brown, 32, Fort Yates, ND, was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 6 ½ years in prison for voluntary manslaughter.

Brown was charged with second degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon causing the death of Jarret Two Bear on or about March 3, 2013. Brown later changed her plea and pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Judge Hovland also sentenced Brown to three years’ supervised release and ordered her to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund as well as restitution.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Bureau of Indian Affairs-Standing Rock Agency.

Assistant U.S. attorney Gary Delorme prosecuted the case.