St. Michael Man Charged With Four Counts of Murder

| 7/23/2012

A St. Michael man has been arrested and charged with four counts of First-Degree Murder in the deaths of two children in May 2011. Valentino James Bagola, 19, is charged with the killings of Destiny Jane Shaw and Travis Lee DuBois, Jr., in May 2011 on the Spirit Lake Reservation.

"The Indictment unsealed today is the result of months of careful police work by the FBI and the BIA. This investigation included the thorough examination of a great deal of forensic evidence and law enforcement interviews of many, many individuals. The resources and effort brought to bear on this investigation by the federal law enforcement agents and the Assistant United States Attorneys who are involved should leave no doubt as to the Department of Justice`s commitment to ensuring justice for child victims in Indian country," said U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon.

According to the Department of Justice, the Indictment alleges that Bagola killed the two children by "striking and stabbing" them "numerous times."

All charges cary a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

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