In the quiet village of Pine Point, Minnesota, on the evening of June 25, 2023, the life of 35-year-old David Wayne Hanks Jr., a member of the Bear Clan, was tragically cut short. He was discovered shot to death inside a gray Pontiac G6 with White Earth license plates just after 6:30 p.m. Hanks, a father, brother, and son known for his sense of humor and love for his family, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Becker County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into the homicide,
and a suspect was soon identified as 40-year-old Michael Dwayne Croud of Ogema. According to witness accounts, Croud approached the parked vehicle where Hanks was sitting in the backseat and shot him multiple times. After the shooting, Croud allegedly fired at another vehicle that was speeding away from the scene before he fled.
A warrant was issued for Croud's arrest on a charge of second-degree murder. The search for him extended beyond Minnesota, and about a month after the shooting, Croud surrendered to the Los Angeles Police Department in California. He was then extradited back to Minnesota to face charges. It was later revealed that Croud, the victim's cousin, had eight prior felony convictions for violent crimes and was on parole at the time of the shooting.
Michael Croud was charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. He was ultimately sentenced to 45 years in prison for the killing of his cousin and for shooting at the witness who fled the scene.
