Man Called 911 After Casino Killing, Police Say Long Black Hairs Found on Knife Used in Woman’s Death
BELCOURT, NORTH DAKOTA — A man is facing a federal murder charge after authorities say he stabbed a woman to death inside a casino hotel room on tribal land, then called 911 to report that “there was a dead person.”
According to a criminal affidavit, Rigoberto Mendez-Morales, 58, has been charged with second-degree murder within Indian Country, a federal offense because the alleged killing occurred on a Native American reservation. The victim, identified in court records as B.T.M., was an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe, giving federal authorities jurisdiction over the case.
911 Call Reports “Dead Person” at Casino
The incident unfolded on January 10, just after 6 a.m., at the Sky Dancer Casino & Resort, located on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation.
According to court filings, Mendez-Morales himself called 911, telling dispatchers that “there was a dead person” in his room. He reported that he had woken up and found a woman deceased.
Deputies with the Rolette County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.
Woman Found on Floor, Man Covered in Blood
When deputies entered the room, they found Mendez-Morales sitting on the bed. The woman, identified only as B.T.M., was found lying on the floor.
According to the affidavit, Mendez-Morales appeared to have blood on his clothing and face. Officers also observed a severe injury to his right eye, which was described as swollen and bleeding. A booking photo later showed the eye discolored and swollen nearly shut.
Law enforcement detained Mendez-Morales at the scene.
Knife Tool With Blood and Hair Recovered
During the detention, officers discovered Mendez-Morales in possession of a Leatherman-type multi-tool, which includes knife blades and scissors.
Investigators noted the tool was covered in what appeared to be blood. When the Federal Bureau of Investigation later examined the item, agents found long black human hairs on it.
According to the affidavit, those hairs were consistent with the victim, based on observations by law enforcement.
Surveillance Shows Only Two People Entered Room
Authorities reviewed surveillance footage from the hallway outside the hotel room. Investigators said the video showed that only Mendez-Morales and the victim entered the room during the relevant time period.
No other individuals were seen entering or exiting the room before the woman was found dead, according to the filing.
Suspect Claims Memory Gaps After Gambling
FBI agents interviewed Mendez-Morales following his arrest. According to the affidavit, he told investigators he had been gambling at the casino and consumed three alcoholic wine drinks.
However, he allegedly said he did not remember returning to his room and could not explain why there was blood on his clothing or the multi-tool.
Mendez-Morales also reportedly denied touching the woman after seeing her on the floor and said he woke up to find her not moving.
Tribal Leaders Call Killing “Senseless”
Leaders with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa issued a statement describing the incident as a “senseless act of domestic violence” and offered condolences to the victim’s family.
Authorities have not publicly clarified whether the suspect and victim knew each other prior to the January visit to the casino.
Federal Charges Carry Life Sentence
Because the killing allegedly occurred on federally designated tribal land and involved a tribal member, the case is being prosecuted in federal court. If convicted of second-degree murder, Mendez-Morales could face life imprisonment.
He remains in custody as the case proceeds.
As federal investigators continue to examine evidence from the scene, the case has drawn renewed attention to violent crime on tribal lands and the complex jurisdictional issues involved. For continued updates on federal prosecutions, major criminal cases, and public safety news from North Dakota and across the country, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.