Father tried to confess to murders of two Spirit Lake children

Thursday, September 12, 2013  

The father of two children who were murdered on the Spirit Lake Nation of North Dakota tried to take the blame for their deaths, The Grand Forks Herald reports.

Travis DuBois Sr. told FBI agents that he killed Destiny Jane Shaw-DuBois, 9, and Travis Lee DuBois Jr, 6. They were found dead in his home on the reservation.

But DuBois was unable to provide any details to the agents, according to video testimony that was played in federal court. DNA evidence eventually linked the crime to a 20-year-old man, Valentino “Tino” Bagola, who is on trial for the murders.

The children were members of the Spirit Lake Nation. Their mother is a tribal member.

DuBois is said to member or a descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Bagola's tribal affiliation hasn't been reported.

Get the Story:
Father’s confession lacked details, motive unclear in slaying of Spirit Lake children (The Grand Forks Herald 9/12)

Trial opens for murders of two children from Spirit Lake Nation (9/3)