No federal murder charge for Turtle Mountain Reservation death

Friday, February 21, 2014  

Federal prosecutors won't bring charges in connection with a death on the reservation of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota.

An investigation determined that the person who shot Joel Sherman, 29, on November 27, 2013, acted in self-defense, U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon said. The shooter was identified in local news reports as Justin Keplin, 31.

“Federal law enforcement has concluded its investigation into the shooting death of Joel Sherman," Purdon said in a press release. "Many, many hours and law enforcement resources were dedicated to this investigation in order to determine exactly what occurred and to ensure that no additional threat to the community existed."

Kreplin has been charged with reckless endangerment and assault in tribal court for the incident.

Get the Story:
US prosecutors: Man accused in Turtle Mountain Reservation shooting acted in self-defense (AP 2/19)
No charges in shooting death (Forum News Service 2/20)