By: Devin Fry
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – The man accused of stabbing and killing another man outside SouthTown PourHouse and Duane’s House of Pizza in South Fargo nearly two years ago pleaded guilty to murder.
Michael Diedrich, 28, entered an Alford plea in Cass County Court, acknowledging that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him. He agreed he caused the death of Ethan Larson and waived his right to trial.
Judge Reid Brady accepted the guilty plea, calling it “reasonable and appropriate.”
Under a binding plea agreement, prosecutors and defense attorneys will recommend a sentence between 20 and 25 years with the North Dakota Department of Corrections.
The defense is asking for 40 years with 20 to serve, while the state wants 40 years with 25 to serve. Any probation terms have yet to be determined.
Prosecutor Ashlei Neufeld said she discussed the deal with Larson’s family, who agreed to the terms. She told the court it was “perhaps not what they were looking for, but it is something they agreed with.”
Restitution and other terms will be determined at sentencing, which is scheduled for March 26. Brady ordered a presentence investigation to be completed within 30 days.
Diedrich will remain in custody until sentencing.
Fargo Police arrested Diedrich in March 2024, about 12 hours after the stabbing on 45th Street South.
Police say Diedrich and Larson were arguing inside the bar before staff told them both to leave. Investigators believe Diedrich stabbed Larson in the parking lot just before 1 a.m., then fled the scene.
First responders transported Larson to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
