Browning Man Sentenced For Murder On The Blackfeet Indian Reservation

After beating a man to death at an elementary school, Victor Michael Vielle was sentenced in federal court to 170 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Vielle was sentenced on August 14, 2014 in Great Falls, before U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris. As part of the sentence, VIELLE is also required to pay restitution to the family for the victim's funeral expenses.

In April of this year, Vielle entered a guilty plea to Second Degree Murder.

In an Offer of Proof, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon stated that if the case had proceeded to trial, the government would have proven that on October 6, 2012, Vielle and a friend walked to the Browning Elementary School. While at the school, VIELLE beat his friend to death for no apparent reason. The following morning, Vielle was covered in blood and bragged to others about the beating.

At sentencing, the government stated, "Vielle is a dangerous man. He fights, and now the Court is aware that he is capable of killing." The government explained that Vielle's actions are not those of a "friend." Instead, "they are the actions of a man who committed Second Degree Murder."

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the truth in sentencing guidelines mandate that VIELLE will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, VIELLE does have the opportunity to shorten the term of custody by earning credit for good behavior. However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.