In the early morning hours of August 13, 2025, the quiet of a northeast Minot, North Dakota parking lot was shattered by a single act of violence that claimed the life of 19-year-old Dorian Thomas. A Black/African American male, Thomas was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound shortly before 1:00 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Remembered as Dorian Kole Thomas-Harris, he was known for the joy and laughter he brought to those around him.
An avid sports fan with a particular love for the Lakers and 49ers, he had aspirations of attending trade school. He had moved back to Minot in 2021, a place he had connections to through his family's time at the Minot Air Force base. Those who knew him recall a young man who could break down football plays with expertise and dreamed of starting a sports podcast. His kindness and humor left a lasting impact on his friends and family.
The investigation into Dorian's death quickly led to a suspect. On August 15, 2025, the Minot Police Department arrested 19-year-old Johnathan Decoteau in connection with the shooting. Decoteau, also of Minot, was taken into custody without incident and is being held at the Ward County Jail.
Decoteau faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, a Class B felony. In addition to the manslaughter charge, he is also accused of tampering with physical evidence, a Class C felony, and falsifying information to law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation.
