Father and Son Killed, One Injured in Double Homicide in New Town; Four Suspects in Custody
NEW TOWN, North Dakota — A violent incident in New Town claimed the lives of Travis Smith and his son, Mark Smith, and left a woman injured on Friday night, September 25, 2026. Law enforcement officers with the Three Affiliated Tribes Law Enforcement Services were dispatched at approximately 9:56 p.m. following emergency reports that three individuals had been shot.
Published by Global Report Center
NEW TOWN, North Dakota — A violent incident in New Town claimed the lives of Travis Smith and his son, Mark Smith, and left a woman injured on Friday night, September 25, 2026. Law enforcement officers with the Three Affiliated Tribes Law Enforcement Services were dispatched at approximately 9:56 p.m. following emergency reports that three individuals had been shot.
First responders located two victims, later identified as Travis Smith and Mark Smith, deceased at the scene from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical technicians provided care to a third victim, identified as Marie Church, before transporting her to Trinity Hospital in Minot, North Dakota, for treatment. Following the shootings, local authorities issued an immediate shelter-in-place order for residents across New Town and the Four Bears area as officers searched for armed individuals spotted in the vicinity.
Official Status, Arrests, and Federal Investigation
Following an intensive overnight manhunt involving tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, authorities apprehended four identified suspects in connection with the fatal shootings. Officials lifted the shelter-in-place order at approximately 6:10 a.m. Saturday after confirming there was no remaining active threat to the community.
Because the incident occurred on tribal land, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has assumed the lead role in the ongoing criminal investigation, supported by the Three Affiliated Tribes Law Enforcement Services and partner agencies. Federal investigators have not yet publicly released the formal charges against the four suspects or detailed the underlying motive behind the shooting.
Community Tributes and Family Support
The tragic loss of both a father and son has sent shockwaves of grief through New Town and the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Community members and tribal leaders are coming together to extend prayers, support, and mutual aid to the Smith family and Church as she recovers from her injuries. Information regarding memorial gatherings, tribal honor ceremonies, or family assistance initiatives will be shared as arrangements are finalized by the family.
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