Ft. Yates Man Pleads “Not Guilty” in Stabbing of Cousin

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota man accused of stabbing his cousin to death has pleaded not guilty.

Twenty-six-year-old Ryan Ironroad, of Cannon Ball, is charged in federal court with felony murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in the death of 29-year-old Clay Hagel, of Fort Yates.

Authorities say Ironroad stabbed Hagel during a Nov. 23 robbery attempt on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Ironroad died from his injuries the next day.

The Bismarck Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1ADyawb) that Ironroad entered his plea through a federal public defender and did not attend Monday's hearing.

Ironroad faces life in prison.