Hays Man Sentenced to 51 Months for Fatal Stabbing on Fort Belknap Reservation

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — A Hays man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for fatally stabbing a woman on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation.

24-year-old Tonylee Andrew Sears received a 51-month sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, and must pay over $4,000 in restitution.

He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in February.

Prosecutors say the incident occurred in January 2024 during an argument at Sears’ home.

A witness reported Sears stabbed the victim during a physical altercation.

Law enforcement recovered a knife with blood from the scene.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement.