Closing arguments in murders of children on Spirit Lake Nation

Thursday, September 19, 2013  

Closing arguments are expected today in the trial of a man who is accused of murdering two children on the Spirit Lake Nation in North Dakota.

Federal prosecutors say Valentino “Tino” Bagola, 20, abused and killed Destiny Jane Shaw-DuBois, 9, and Travis Lee DuBois Jr, 6. Their bodies were found in their father's home on the reservation on May 21, 2011.

Bagola's defense has sought to direct blame to the children's father, who initially confessed to the crime. Travis DuBois Sr. disavowed the confession but acknowledged he didn't know where his children were for the three days before they were found dead.

The children's younger brother was found in the home and was interviewed. He said his father killed his siblings but also said his sister was responsible, according to a video that was played in court, The Grand Forks Herald reported.

The case will go to the jury after closing arguments.

Get the Story:
Jurors see interview with boy who was in house when Spirit Lake siblings were killed (The Grand Forks Herald 9/19)

Father refutes confession over murders of Spirit Lake children (9/17)
Father tried to confess to murders of two Spirit Lake children (9/12)
Trial opens for murders of two children from Spirit Lake Nation (9/3)