On the morning of August 17, 2024, 25-year-old Austin Kelly Strom, a White man who sometimes slept in the parking lot, was shot and killed in the Prairie Heights Church parking lot in West Fargo, North Dakota. The incident began when 66-year-old church volunteer Kent Hodges arrived at the church and an altercation broke out; Strom reportedly became aggressive and physically assaulted Hodges, who suffered serious injuries.

A 53-year-old witness, Donald Barron of Moorhead, intervened and drew a handgun. Barron reportedly issued verbal commands to Strom; when Strom advanced toward him, Barron fired one shot that struck Strom in the chest. Emergency responders were called and Strom was pronounced dead at the scene.

The West Fargo Police Department reviewed video footage and other evidence and forwarded its findings to the Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office. The State’s Attorney’s Office concluded the use of deadly force was justified as self-defense and in defense of another and announced no criminal charges would be filed.

If anyone witnessed the early-morning events at Prairie Heights Church or knew Strom’s movements that night, please share what’s known.