A Hays man has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the fatal stabbing of a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced that Tonylee Andrew Sears, 24, admitted to the charge as outlined in an indictment.
Sears could face up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris is overseeing the case and will decide on the sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors. The sentencing is scheduled for June 18, with Sears remaining in custody until then.
According to court documents, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services responded to a report of a stabbing at Sears' residence in the early hours of January 13, 2024. Officers found Sears along with a witness identified as John Doe and the victim identified as Jane Doe. Jane Doe was discovered bleeding on the living room floor and was declared dead at the scene.
John Doe informed law enforcement that he and Jane Doe had visited Sears' home for drinks when an argument broke out between Sears and Jane Doe. The situation escalated, leading Sears to stab Jane Doe while she was on the ground. John Doe intervened by pulling Sears away from her and called emergency services. The knife used in the incident was later found in the kitchen sink.
Sears admitted during questioning that he stabbed Jane Doe following their altercation on the floor. An autopsy confirmed that her death resulted from a stab wound.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with investigations conducted by both the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.