North Dakota Man Charged in Death of Brother in Fort Peck

John Ersness, 58, of Sawyer, N.D., made his first appearance in Justice Court on Sept. 28. He has been charged with deliberate homicide in the death of his brother, Corwin Ersness, 62, of Fort Peck. He is being held at the Valley County Detention Center on $500,000 bond and is awaiting his initial appearance in District Court.

According to the Valley County Sheriff Vernon Buerkle, at around 5:49 p.m. on Sept. 27, dispatch received a call from C. Ersness who stated that his brother was in the area and that there may be a fight. When Deputy Casey Mulkey arrived he found J. Ersness leaving the area and questioned him. After questioning, J. Ersness stated that he was leaving the area. Mulkey found no probable cause to hold him, and went to speak to the brother.

After no response at the door, Mulkey forced his way into the residence and found C. Ersness dead. According to Buerkle, they processed the scene and determined that there had been an altercation.

Montana Highway Patrol apprehended J. Ersness in McCone County and returned him to Valley County. He was booked and charged with deliberate homicide and is awaiting a trial date in District Court. "Deputy Casey Mulkey did an excellent job on the investigation and as the responding officer," said Buerkle.