“Cass Lake Man Sentenced to 19-and-a-Half Years for Fatal Shooting in 2021”

A Cass Lake man has been sentenced to 19-and-a-half years in prison for a fatal shooting that occurred in 2021. William Headbird, 47 years old, appeared in Cass County District Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and ineligible possession of a firearm.

The incident took place on July 5, 2021, when a drive-by shooting was reported near a Cass Lake residence. Thirty-four-year-old Diego Garcia of Cass Lake was wounded in the incident and later pronounced dead. However, it wasn’t until April 2022 that Headbird was identified as the shooter. He was subsequently arrested in July of that year.

The Cass County Attorney’s Office has stated that the 19-and-a-half-year sentence handed down to Headbird is at the high end of what is permitted under state sentencing guidelines. This reflects the seriousness of the crime and the impact it had on the community.

The case highlights the importance of swift and thorough investigations in criminal cases. It took several months for Headbird to be identified as the shooter, which delayed the justice process for the victim’s family and the community. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of illegal firearm possession and the potential for tragic outcomes.

While the sentencing brings some closure to the family and friends of Diego Garcia, it is a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to prevent gun violence and ensure that those who commit such acts are held accountable. The justice system plays a vital role in maintaining law and order and protecting communities from acts of violence..