A federal jury has found Kyle Lee Dean, 45, of L’Anse, Michigan, guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The conviction was announced by Timothy VerHey, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. Sentencing is scheduled for 2026.
The incident occurred on January 20, 2024, when Dean visited the home of his victim within the L’Anse Reservation of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. According to testimony presented at trial, a fist fight escalated and Dean stabbed the victim nearly twelve times. Medical personnel from Baraga County Memorial Hospital and Upper Peninsula Health System (UPHS) – Marquette intervened; without their efforts, it was stated that the victim likely would have died from his injuries.
U.S. Attorney VerHey said: “My office will work tirelessly to prosecute those people who commit violent crimes within Indian Country. We prioritize ensuring that our tribal communities are safe and will hold individuals like Dean accountable to ensure that safety.”
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, commented: “FBI Detroit works tirelessly to investigate violent crimes committed on Indian Reservations. The conviction of Kyle Dean for his brutal and malicious attack within the L’Anse Reservation of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community sends a clear message that the FBI will be relentless in pursuing those who bring harm to tribal communities and securing justice for their victims,” she said. “I am grateful for the partnership and dedicated investigative work from the members of our FBI Marquette Resident Agency, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police, the Village of L’Anse Police, and the Michigan State Police. We also recognize the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan for securing this important conviction.”
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the FBI, Michigan State Police, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police, and Village of L’Anse Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hanna Rutkowski and Theodore Greeley are handling prosecution.
