Fort Totten Man Pleads Guilty to Assaults and Manslaughter

Kolby Jae McKay, 33, admitted to violent crimes in federal court

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:00am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, the metal reflecting the harsh, direct light of the camera flash, creating a stark, dramatic visual.The harsh lighting and stark contrast of this image evoke the gritty reality of violent crime and the pursuit of justice.Fort Totten Today

Kolby Jae McKay, a 33-year-old man from Fort Totten, North Dakota, has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to charges of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Voluntary Manslaughter. The charges stem from multiple violent incidents in the Fort Totten area.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing violent crime in tribal communities, where jurisdictional issues and lack of resources can complicate prosecutions. McKay's guilty plea brings some measure of accountability, though the victims' families will continue to grapple with the trauma of these attacks.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, McKay, who is also known as Kolby Woods, admitted to assaulting multiple victims with a dangerous weapon and causing the death of one individual through voluntary manslaughter. The crimes took place in the Fort Totten area, which is located on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation.

  • McKay appeared in U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota on April 3, 2026 and entered his guilty plea.

The players

Kolby Jae McKay

Also known as Kolby Woods, a 33-year-old man from Fort Totten, North Dakota who pleaded guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Voluntary Manslaughter.

Nicholas W. Chase

United States Attorney for the District of North Dakota, who announced McKay's guilty plea.

Peter D. Welte

Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota, who presided over McKay's case.

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What’s next

McKay will be sentenced at a later date by Judge Welte. The specific sentencing date has not yet been set.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing violent crime in tribal communities, where complex jurisdictional issues and lack of resources can hinder prosecutions. McKay's guilty plea represents a step towards accountability, though the full impact on the victims' families remains to be seen.