Rigoberto Mendez-Morales

FARGO — A Mandaree man has been charged in federal court with second-degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing at Belcourt on Jan. 10.

Rigoberto Mendez-Morales, 58, appeared in federal court in Fargo Tuesday, Jan. 20, where he was charged with second-degree murder.

According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint filed by an FBI agent investigating the case, Rolette County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report by Mendez-Morales of a deceased person.

Law enforcement entered the room to find Mendez-Morales sitting on the bed and the alleged victim on the floor. Mendez-Morales had an injury to his right eye, and the victim was not responsive and appeared to have been stabbed several times.

According to court documents, Mendez-Morales and the victim were recorded by security cameras entering the room in the morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 10, and were the only individuals to do so until security and law enforcement arrived.

Authorities found a multitool on Mendez-Morales’ possession.

The victim, who has not been identified, was determined to be an enrolled member of the MHA Nation on the Fort Berthold Reservation, according to court documents.