Man Charged in Fatal Stabbing at North Dakota Casino on Native American Reservation
BELCOURT, North Dakota – A 58-year-old man is facing federal murder charges after a woman was found stabbed to death at the Sky Dancer Casino & Resort on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in North Dakota. The incident highlights the complex jurisdictional issues surrounding crimes committed on tribal lands within the United States.
Rigoberto Mendez-Morales was charged with second-degree murder within Indian Country, a designation that places the case under federal jurisdiction. The victim, identified in court documents only as B.T.M., was a member of a federally recognized tribe. Mendez-Morales, who is not a tribal member, has not contested federal authority over the investigation.
The Rolette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call originating from Mendez-Morales himself at approximately 6:07 a.m. on January 10th. He reported finding the woman deceased in his room at the casino. Deputies arriving on the scene found Mendez-Morales sitting on the bed, visibly injured with a swollen and bleeding right eye, and apparent blood on his clothing.
Investigators recovered a multi-tool, described as a “Leatherman-type tool,” allegedly covered in blood. Forensic analysis revealed what appeared to be long, black human hairs consistent with those of the victim on the tool. Surveillance footage confirmed that Mendez-Morales and B.T.M. were the only individuals to enter the room during the relevant timeframe.
According to an affidavit reviewed by Law & Crime, Mendez-Morales admitted to gambling at the Sky Dancer Casino and consuming three alcoholic beverages while doing so. However, he claimed to have no recollection of returning to his room or the origin of the blood on his clothing and the multi-tool. He also denied any physical contact with the victim after discovering her on the floor.
“He stated he woke up on his bed and saw B.T.M. was not moving,” the affidavit states.
The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, the tribe governing the reservation, has described the incident as “a senseless act of domestic violence” and extended condolences to the victim’s family. The tragedy underscores the disproportionately high rates of violence against Native American women. According to the National Congress of American Indians, Native American women face murder rates more than ten times the national average.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota. If convicted of second-degree murder, Mendez-Morales faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment.
The Sky Dancer Casino & Resort, owned and operated by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, is a significant economic driver for the reservation, providing employment and revenue for tribal programs. The incident has understandably shaken the community.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet determined the nature of the relationship, if any, between Mendez-Morales and the victim.
[Image of Sky Dancer Casino & Resort with inset of Mendez-Morales’ booking photo – as provided in original source]
