Cass County Man Sentenced to 45 years

A 28 year old Cass Lake man has pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder in Cass County District Court Monday.

The plea agreement calls for Ross Zangigabo Littlewolf to serve 45 years in prison. The sentence is an upward departure from the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines.

Judge John Smith ordered that a pre-sentence investigation be completed by the Minnesota Department of Corrections and that sentencing occur on April 30, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.

Cass County Attorney Christopher Strandlie said law enforcement responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence in Cass Lake on June 26, 2011. Upon arrival they discovered the body of 22-year-old Kandace Blaine Dunn who had been killed by a gunshot wound to her head.

An investigation revealed that Dunn had been sleeping in the residence, sharing a room with her two small children, one of whom is also the child of Littlewolf. Another adult couple was sleeping in a separate bedroom. They said they were awakened by a gunshot. Shortly after that they heard another gunshot, heard Dunn scream and then heard one more gunshot.

Littlewolf, who was known to them, subsequently entered their bedroom, aimed the gun at them, and threatened to kill both of them. He then told them to take care of the children and left the residence. Investigation revealed that entry was gained to the residence by Littlewolf shooting through a sliding glass door. Littlewolf was apprehended at a relative’s house approximately five hours later.