WEST FARGO, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A man who shot and killed 25-year-old Austin Strom outside Prairie Heights Church in August will not face charges, according to a memo from Assistant Cass County State’s Attorney Ryan Younggren. The memo outlines the events leading up to the fatal shooting, which took place on Saturday, August 17.
The incident began when Strom, a church member, was found sleeping in the parking lot early that morning. At around 7:45 a.m., 66-year-old Kent Hodges, a church volunteer who suffers from dementia, arrived at the church under the mistaken belief that it was Sunday. Strom confronted Hodges, demanding to be let into the building. According to video evidence, Strom gave a six-minute speech claiming to be God, stating ominous warnings like, “The second death will be upon you if I am not allowed in this house. My house.”
Tensions escalated when Strom picked up a large rock and approached the church’s glass doors. Hodges attempted to stop him and remove him from the property but fell to the ground during the scuffle. Strom then began kicking Hodges repeatedly in the head and face.
Witnessing the attack from across the street, 65-year-old Donald Barron intervened by driving into the parking lot. Barron exited his vehicle with a gun and commanded Strom to stop and get on the ground. However, Strom continued his assault on Hodges. Despite repeated warnings, Strom advanced toward Barron, declaring, “I fear no one.” Barron backed away while instructing Strom to keep his distance, but when Strom suddenly charged, Barron shot him in the chest.
Following the shooting, Barron unloaded his weapon and placed it on the hood of his car. Strom died at the scene, while Hodges sustained serious injuries, including missing and loose teeth, and required stitches for his wounds.
In reviewing the case, Younggren stated that Hodges was attempting to protect the church from Strom’s aggression when the attack occurred, and Barron witnessed the violence firsthand. North Dakota law allows individuals to use deadly force to defend themselves or others from the threat of death or serious injury. Additionally, Barron had no legal obligation to retreat.
Given these circumstances, Younggren concluded that the state could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Barron acted unlawfully. As a result, no charges will be filed in connection with the shooting.