Tokio, ND, Man Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Child Neglect in the Death of a Three-Year Old Child

Fargo – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that on April 14, 2025, Austin Ray Lester, age 29 of Tokio, ND, appeared in United States District Court and pleaded guilty before Chief Judge Peter Welte to Involuntary Manslaughter and two counts of Child Neglect in Indian country, as well as Assault of a Child with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian country. Lester’s sentencing date is scheduled for August 5, 2025.

The charges are related to the August 2022 neglect and death of three-year-old child within the boundaries of the Spirit Lake Reservation.  A co-defendant, Krissy Louise Hinsley was also charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Neglect in Indian country and is scheduled for a change of plea and sentencing hearing on July 28, 2025.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Conroy.

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