A Bismarck man pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of voluntary manslaughter, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon stemming from an incident on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation almost a year ago.
Orlen Francis Smith Jr., 26, a member of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, was allegedly involved in an altercation with his brother, Daniel Smith, at his home in St. Michael, N.D., on Feb. 13, 2013. Smith Jr. swung a switchblade at his brother, striking the side of his chest and piercing his heart, according to a press release issued U.S. District Attorney Timothy Purdon Wednesday.
Daniel Smith died at the scene.
Smith Jr. allegedly attacked two others at the home, including one person who suffered a laceration on the forehead, according to the press release.
The voluntary manslaughter charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, while each of the other charges include a maximum penalty of 10 years.
ADVERTISEMENT
Smith Jr. will be sentenced on April 7.
