Bismarck Man Sentenced for Killing His Brother on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation

FARGO - U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on April 14, 2014, Orlen Francis Smith, Jr., 26, of Bismarck, N.D., was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 14 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon.

On Feb. 25, 2013, Smith Jr., an enrolled member of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, went to the home of his brother, Daniel Smith, located in St. Michael, N.D., on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation where an altercation occurred between Smith Jr. and his brother, Daniel Smith. Smith Jr. armed with a switchblade knife, swung at his brother striking Daniel in the side of his chest, piercing his heart. Daniel died at the scene. Smith Jr. then attacked two others in the residence, puncturing one person in the forearm with the knife and another individual suffered a laceration on the forehead.

Judge Erickson also ordered Smith to pay restitution in the amount of $11,436.50 and a $300 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Janice M. Morley is prosecuting the case.