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Fort Totten Today
By the People, for the People
North Dakota Man Pleads Guilty to Assault and Manslaughter on Spirit Lake Reservation
Kolby McKay faces sentencing for violent crimes committed in 2024
Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:55pm
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A harsh flash photograph of a single handcuff highlights the grim realities of violent crime on tribal lands.Fort Totten TodayA 33-year-old Fort Totten, North Dakota man named Kolby McKay has pleaded guilty to federal charges of assaulting his girlfriend with a knife and choking her, as well as the voluntary manslaughter of another man, Monte Kerman, both incidents occurring on the Spirit Lake Reservation in 2024. McKay fled after the killing but was later apprehended, leading to a curfew being issued on the reservation during the search.
Why it matters
Violent crimes on tribal lands are a serious concern, with Native American women facing disproportionately high rates of assault and murder. This case highlights the need for improved public safety and justice system responses on reservations.
The details
According to court documents, on March 13, 2024, McKay assaulted his girlfriend with a knife and choked her on the Spirit Lake Reservation. Then on April 3, 2024, he killed Monte Kerman, also on the reservation. After the killing, McKay fled and could not immediately be located, leading the reservation to issue a curfew while law enforcement searched for the armed and dangerous suspect.
- On March 13, 2024, McKay assaulted his girlfriend with a knife and choked her.
- On April 3, 2024, McKay killed Monte Kerman on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
- After the killing, McKay fled and could not immediately be located.
The players
Kolby McKay
A 33-year-old man from Fort Totten, North Dakota who pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend and killing Monte Kerman on the Spirit Lake Reservation in 2024.
Monte Kerman
A man who was killed by Kolby McKay on the Spirit Lake Reservation in April 2024.
What’s next
McKay will be sentenced at a later date for the crimes he has pleaded guilty to.
The takeaway
This case underscores the ongoing challenges of public safety and justice system responses on tribal lands, where Native American women and communities continue to face disproportionately high rates of violence.
