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Press Release

Red Lake Man Charged With First Degree Murder

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced an indictment charging JEREMIAH KINGBIRD, 38, with first and second degree murder.[1] KINGBIRD made his initial appearance yesterday before Magistrate Judge Jon T. Huseby in U.S. District Court in Bemidji, Minnesota.

According to the indictment and documents filed in court, on January 6, 2019, law enforcement responded to a call from a woman who said that an unknown male had stopped at her house and said that he had found his wife on Old Ponemah Road and that she had been there all night. Responding officers found the victim, KINGBIRD’S wife, lying face down in the snow; she had severe physical injuries, and was having difficulty breathing. The victim was transported to the Red Lake IHS Hospital where hospital staff were unsuccessful in reviving her.

According to the indictment and documents filed in court, during a search of KINGBIRD’S vehicle, law enforcement observed blood on the front passenger window of the vehicle. KINGBIRD admitted to physically assaulting his wife and leaving her outside in the elements following a night of drinking in Bemidji.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department and the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina L. Allery and Assistant U.S. Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad.

 

Defendant Information:                                                                                                                     

JEREMIAH KINGBIRD, 38

Ponemah, Minn.

Charges:

  • Murder in the first degree, 1 count
  • Murder in the second degree, 1 count

 

 

 

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600

 

 

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated February 26, 2019

Topics
Indian Country Law and Justice
Violent Crime