United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced that Collin Ray Delorme, also known as Collin Ray Delorme Sr., aged 30, from St. Michael, North Dakota, has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison. The sentencing took place at the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota in Fargo and was presided over by Chief Judge Peter Welte. Following his prison term, Delorme will undergo three years of supervised release with specific conditions. He is also required to pay restitution for medical and funeral expenses jointly with his co-defendant.
The case began on February 18, 2023, when Kenzie Rose Baker called 911 from a home in St. Michael within the Spirit Lake Reservation boundaries. She reported her one-year-old child was not breathing. The child was taken to CHI St. Alexius in Devils Lake, North Dakota, where they were pronounced dead. An autopsy revealed the cause of death as "battered child" due to multiple injuries of various ages that led to infection and sepsis.
Delorme pled guilty to charges related to abusing the deceased one-year-old child and a separate charge involving abuse of a three-year-old child. On August 16, 2024, Baker pleaded guilty to charges including Accessory after the Fact; Child Abuse in Indian country; and Child Neglect in Indian country. Her sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2025.
"This sentence provides a measure of accountability for the horrendous abuse and tragic death of a toddler," said Schneider. He emphasized the commitment of Indian country prosecutors working with tribal social services and law enforcement to prevent child abuse and prosecute offenders forcefully.
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis commented on the case: "The abuse and neglect that these children experienced is truly horrific. No child should ever endure such suffering." He highlighted the FBI's dedication to protecting vulnerable community members and ensuring justice for those who harm children.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted this investigation with prosecution by Assistant United States Attorneys Lori H. Conroy and SheraLynn Ternes.