Bismarck, ND — Timothy Two Horses has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Ernest Ells, a crime that took place in Bismarck in April 2024. Two Horses was convicted after fatally stabbing Ells during a violent altercation over access to methamphetamine. The sentencing occurred Thursday morning before District Court Judge Cynthia Feland.
The incident unfolded when Two Horses and Ells got into a dispute, leading to a physical confrontation in which Ells was stabbed in the chest. After the attack, Two Horses took gold and other valuable items from Ells’ home before fleeing the scene. Authorities later located Two Horses at a Bismarck hotel, where he resisted arrest and fought with law enforcement officers.
Initially, Two Horses pled not guilty to charges of murder, theft, and preventing arrest. However, in October 2024, he changed his pleas to guilty on all charges.
In court, Judge Feland sentenced Two Horses to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Under the terms of the sentence, he will be eligible for parole after serving 85 percent of his sentence, which amounts to approximately 43 years. Two Horses was also credited with the 241 days he has already served in jail since his arrest.
The case marks another chapter in the ongoing efforts of Bismarck law enforcement to combat violence related to drug abuse and criminal activity in the area.
