A woman from Tokio (ND) pleaded guilty to murder and child abuse in connection with the death of her 5-year-old foster child. Tammy Longie, also known as Tammy Onebear, has pleaded guilty to second degree murder, three counts of child abuse and neglect. She will be sentenced in federal court in April. Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI agents found the child’s body in the basement of a house on the Spirit Lake reservation in May 2020. The child and a brother have been placed with the family of welcome with Longie and her husband, Erich Longie, in July. 2019.

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US Department of Justice press release:

United States Attorney Nick Chase announced that Tammy Longie, aka Tammy Onebear of Tokio, ND, has appeared before Chief Justice Peter D. Welte, US District Court, Fargo, ND, and has pleaded guilty to murder second degree in Indian country. ; three counts of child abuse in Indian country; and child neglect in Indian country.

On May 6, 2020, officers from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to Erich and Tammy Longie’s home on the Spirit Lake reservation.

Law enforcement observed a 5-year-old child who died in the basement of the house and observed bruises all over his body. An autopsy concluded the death was homicide and identified the cause of death as bilateral subdural hematomas resulting from assault.

The pathologist observed abrasions and bruises consistent with “multiple episodes of inflicted trauma”.

The child’s sibling was seen at a local hospital and determined to require a higher level of care and was hospitalized for over a month. An attending physician explained that the child had bruises on the child’s body consistent with the violence. The main medical concern, however, was heart failure due to malnutrition.

Spirit Lake Tribal Social Services (“SLTSS”) placed the two children in foster care in the Longie home in July 2019.

The investigation revealed that two biological children were also abused, including with objects and hands.

Tammy Longie’s sentencing before Chief Justice Peter D. Welte is scheduled for April 14 and 15, 2022.

Co-accused Erich Longie had previously pleaded guilty to first degree murder; three counts of child abuse in an Indian country and child neglect in an Indian country and is scheduled for sentencing.

This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and is being pursued by the United States Attorney’s Office, with Deputy United States Attorney Lori H. Conroy assigned. to the case.