Crime
3 Spirit Lake Tribe members killed in shooting on Spirit Lake Reservation in North Dakota
Fort Totten, ND – March 4, 2025 – The Spirit Lake Tribal Council is deeply saddened to report a tragic shooting incident that occurred this morning in St. Michael’s, resulting in the deaths of three members of the Spirit Lake Tribe.
At approximately 9:30 AM, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement notified the Tribal Council of the incident.
After an extensive search, law enforcement successfully apprehended the suspect at approximately 1:20 PM, and the individual is now in custody.
In response to this tragedy, the Spirit Lake Tribal Council has placed all tribal employees on administrative leave.
Additionally, the shelter-in-place order issued earlier for residents within the Spirit Lake reservation boundaries, including the districts of St. Michael’s, Fort Totten, Crow Hill, and Wood Lake, has now been lifted.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time,” the Tribal Council stated. “We ask for the community’s support, empathy, and respect as we grieve together.”
To maintain the privacy and dignity of those affected, the names of the victims and the suspect will not be released at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to ensure the safety of the community.
The Spirit Lake Tribal Council extends its deepest gratitude to all law enforcement personnel for their swift response and efforts in managing this situation.
The Tribal Council recognizes the emotional toll this event may have on the community and encourages those affected to seek grief counseling services.
Spirit Lake Behavioral Health is offering support, and tribal members in need are urged to reach out for assistance.
For support services, please contact Spirit Lake Behavioral Health at the numbers provided below.
No one should face this grief alone—help is available.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.