North Dakota woman pleads guilty to abusing and killing 5-year-old foster child

BISMARCK, N.D. (TCD) -- A 47-year-old woman pleaded guilty in federal court this week to charges relating to the death of her 5-year-old foster daughter in 2020.

The U.S. Justice Department wrote in a statement published by KNOX Radio that Tammy Longie entered the plea for second-degree murder within Indian Country, three counts of child abuse in Indian Country, and child neglect in Indian Country.

The Bismarck Tribune reports her husband Erich Longie previously pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, child neglect, and three counts of child abuse.

According to The Dickinson Press, Raven Thompson was found in the Longies' basement on the Spirit Lake Reservation in Tokio, N.D., on May 5, 2020. The Longies reportedly fostered Raven and her brother Zane, 7. Court documents cited by The Dickinson Press report Raven suffered from severe dehydration and had abuse-related injuries. The Justice Department statement added her cause of death was "bilateral subdural hematomas incurred from assault."

A pathologist reportedly noticed injuries that matched "multiple episodes of inflicted trauma."

Court documents cited by The Dickinson Press quoted a first responder who said, "The foster parents showed no emotional signs that one would typically expect to see from a caregiver."

Zane was reportedly transported to a hospital from his injuries, and doctors reportedly feared he could suffer heart failure due to malnutrition. The Dickinson Press reports two of Erich Longie’s biological children also suffered abuse. Zane reportedly told investigators Erich and Tammy Longie used a stick, slipper, and paddle to hit them.

According to Valley News Live, Zane and Raven were placed into foster care with the Longies in July 2019.

The Dickinson Press reports Tammy’s sentencing is scheduled for April 14 and 15, while Erich will be sentenced Feb. 22.

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