Rigoberto Mendez-Morales, 58, from Mandaree, North Dakota, faces federal second-degree murder charges within Indian Country for allegedly stabbing a woman (identified as enrolled tribal member B.T.M.) to death at the Sky Dancer Casino & Resort on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in Belcourt on January 10, 2026.
Incident Details
Around 6:07 a.m., Mendez-Morales called 911 reporting a dead woman in his hotel room. Rolette County Sheriff’s deputies found him on the bed with blood on his clothing and face, a swollen/bleeding right eye, and B.T.M. dead on the floor—cold, pulseless, with multiple stab wounds. He possessed a bloody Leatherman-type multi-tool with long black hairs matching hers; hallway surveillance confirmed only they entered the room beforehand.
Investigation and Interview
FBI analysis linked the tool to the crime. Mendez-Morales recalled gambling and three wines but not returning to the room or the blood; he denied touching her, claiming he woke to find her unmoving. Tribal leaders called it “senseless domestic violence,” offering condolences. Relationship unclear.
Legal Status
Initially charged with Class AA felony murder in Rolette County; federal case (18 U.S.C. § 1111) filed January 19 due to jurisdiction on tribal land—carries life sentence potential. Held in Rolette County jail; not a tribal member.
