Man charged in White Shield MMIP case to go to trial
Derick Wilkinson’s trial set for April 7
A trial date has been set for Derick Wilkinson, who is charged with murdering his girlfriend, Alexia De La Cerda, in White Shield, North Dakota, on Aug. 9, 2024.
A home security camera allegedly captured Wilkinson strangling De La Cerda, a Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation citizen. An affidavit from an FBI agent claims he then locked her children in a room and set the house on fire.
Wilkinson’s trial will take place April 7 in Bismarck. It was scheduled days after a federal judge rejected a plea deal that would have scrubbed Wilkinson’s murder charge.
Help us keep the fire burning, make a donation to Buffalo’s Fire
For everyone who cares about transparency in Native affairs: We exist to illuminate tribal government. Our work bridges the gap left by tribal-controlled media and non-Native, extractive journalism, providing the insights necessary for truly informed decision-making and a better quality of life. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise.
Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact. Cancel anytime.