Edward Cecil Finley, 30, and Kenneth Byron Grady, 30, have been indicted for murder in U.S. District Court.

According to a law enforcement affidavit filed with the court, the two men repeatedly punched and kicked Valentino William White Jr., 38, in the head during an altercation on Oct. 10 at a New Town residence. White was taken to the hospital following the assault but was pronounced brain dead and removed from life support on Oct. 11.

American Indians are generally tried in federal court for felonies allegedly committed on Indian reservations. Both Finley and Grady are members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Both are in custody at the Ward County Jail in Minot.