Bismarck, N.D. – Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal stabbing of John Leier, which occurred on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Erian Fox, 25, was taken into custody shortly after Bismarck police responded to a call for service in the 1000 block of Porter Avenue. She was initially held at the Burleigh Morton Detention Center on charges of ingestion and tampering with evidence.
Following a further investigation, Fox was identified as the suspect in Leier’s homicide. Her charges were subsequently upgraded to Class AA Felony Murder, according to Bismarck Police officials.
Investigators also identified and interviewed the person of interest who had been pictured in an earlier police release. Police confirmed that, at this time, no additional suspects are being sought in connection with the case.
Officials have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the stabbing or the relationship, if any, between the victim and the suspect.
Bismarck Police Department continues to urge anyone with information related to the incident to contact authorities.
