Tokio, North Dakota man gets 33 years for neglect and death of child in 2022 on Spirit Lake Reservation

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A Tokio, North Dakota man is sentenced to 33 years in prison for the 2022 death of a child on Spirit Lake Reservation.

Twenty-nine year old Austin Lester previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, two counts of child neglect in Indian country and assault of a child with a dangerous weapon.

Co-defendant Krissy Hinsley was also charged in the case and was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of child neglect in Indian country.

Lester and Hinsley were accused of horrifying abuse and neglect of a three-year-old child that resulted in the child’s death in 2022.

They were also ordered to pay $62,553.39 in restitution to North Dakota Department of Human Services for amounts paid to cover the costs of medical care of the child prior to the child’s death.

“Today, Austin Ray Lester was sentenced for his role in the horrifying abuse and neglect
that resulted in the death of a three-year-old child,” said FBI Minneapolis SAC Alivn M.
Winston Sr. ” This sentence represents a step towards justice for the life lost, and a warning to
those who endanger our most vulnerable community members. The FBI will work tirelessly with
its partners to ensure that the precious children of the Spirit Lake Reservation have the
opportunity to grow in a safe and secure environment.”

“This is a tragic child abuse case. This three-year-old child was the victim of fatal abuse
and neglect at the hands of her caregivers, Lester and Hinsley. They left her alone at home,
where she was exposed to dangerous conditions while Lester and Hinsley used narcotics. This is
shameful, deliberate, and horrific conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Puhl. “This case
should serve as a reminder that we at the United States Attorney’s Office will seek lengthy
sentences for those whose willful and neglectful conduct leads to the death of children.”