Hays Man Gets 51 Months in Prison for Fatal Stabbing on Fort Belknap Reservation

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — A 24-year-old Hays man was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for the fatal stabbing of a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in January 2024.

Tonylee Andrew Sears received the sentence Wednesday from Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris, who also ordered three years of supervised release and $4,050 in restitution. Sears had pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of voluntary manslaughter.

The Fatal Incident

The deadly confrontation occurred in the early morning hours of January 13, 2024, at Sears’ home on the reservation. Law enforcement responded to reports of a stabbing and found the victim, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, bleeding on the living room floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to court documents, the evening began as a social gathering. A witness told investigators that he and Jane Doe had gone to Sears’ house to drink alcohol and spend time together. However, the night took a violent turn when Sears and Jane Doe began arguing.

The witness described how the argument escalated until Sears grabbed a knife from the kitchen. During the altercation, Jane Doe was on the ground when Sears stabbed her. The witness intervened, pulling Sears away from the victim, and called 911. Sears then threw the knife into the kitchen sink.

Suspect’s Account

When interviewed by law enforcement, Sears provided his version of the events. He told officers that during the argument, Jane Doe made comments about his deceased parents that angered him. The verbal confrontation escalated into a physical scuffle, with both individuals ending up on the floor.

Sears admitted to stabbing Jane Doe while they were “rolling around on the floor” during the struggle.

Investigation and Evidence

The investigation, conducted by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services, uncovered key physical evidence. Officers recovered the knife from the kitchen sink, which still contained blood on both the blade and handle.

An autopsy performed on Jane Doe revealed the cause of death was a stab wound to the trunk. The medical examiner determined that the knife had pierced her heart, causing almost immediate death.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announcing the sentencing.