Second Lawsuit Filed Over Fatal Shooting by BIA Officer on Turtle Mountain Reservation

Lawsuit alleges officer used excessive force and failed to de-escalate situation before killing suicidal man

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:31pm

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A second wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against a Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer who fatally shot a Belcourt man on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in 2024. The lawsuit alleges the officer used excessive force and failed to de-escalate the situation before shooting the man, who was reportedly armed and suicidal at the time.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns over police use of force, particularly in incidents involving Native Americans on tribal lands. It also raises questions about officer training, accountability, and whether proper protocols were followed in this incident.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by Constance Wilkie on behalf of her minor daughter and as personal representative of Jordan Parisien's estate. It names the United States, Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, and Officer Evan Parisien as defendants. The lawsuit states that on a Sunday morning, Parisien approached his ex-girlfriend's home armed and driving erratically, telling a friend he planned to kill himself. Wilkie and her off-duty BIA officer sister called police to report Parisien was armed and suicidal. When Officer Parisien arrived, the lawsuit alleges the officer shot Parisien multiple times while he stood outside his vehicle 'in an unobstructed and non-threatening manner' without attempting to de-escalate the situation.

  • The shooting occurred on a Sunday morning in 2024 along Highway 5 near Belcourt.
  • The first wrongful death lawsuit was filed in September 2024.
  • The second lawsuit was filed on January 30, 2026.

The players

Constance Wilkie

Filed the lawsuit on behalf of her minor daughter and as personal representative of Jordan Parisien's estate.

Jordan Parisien

The Belcourt man who was fatally shot by Officer Evan Parisien on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation.

Officer Evan Parisien

The Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer who fatally shot Jordan Parisien.

Wilkie's sister

An off-duty BIA police officer who called police to report Jordan Parisien was armed and suicidal.

United States of America

Named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“The video shows Jordan Parisien did not raise his arms or hands before he was shot.”

— Constance Wilkie, Plaintiff

What’s next

The judge will determine if the case proceeds to a jury trial, where the plaintiffs are seeking damages for loss of life, emotional distress, and other claims.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns over police use of force, particularly in incidents involving Native Americans on tribal lands, and the need for improved officer training, accountability, and de-escalation protocols to prevent such tragedies.