FARGO (KFGO) – A 29-year-old man from St. Michael has pleaded guilty to child abuse in the death of a one-year-old on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
In February 2023, Collin Delorme’s co-defendant called 9-1-1 to report a child was not breathing. The child died at the hospital in Devils Lake.
The medical examiner determined the cause of death was battery due to multiple, repeated internal and external injuries of various ages. Autopsy showed the child’s untreated internal injuries led to infection and sepsis.
One of the injuries was a spinal fracture that Delorme claimed happened when he misjudged a step and his boot slipped and a flashlight hit the child.
Delorme faces up to 40 years in prison.
His co-defendant, Kenzie Baker, pleaded guilty to child abuse and neglect in August.
“Today’s guilty plea is a step towards accountability for the heartrending death of a young child,” United States Attorney Mac Schneider said. “The way this toddler was treated was horrific and shameful. Whether it is at multi-disciplinary team meetings throughout the District of North Dakota or by holding child abusers accountable in federal court, our career prosecutors and partners in law enforcement are committed to protecting kids and preventing tragic cases like this one.”
Comments