St. Michael man sentenced after death of 17-year-old

Photo by: WDAY Radio File (Canva)
Photo by: WDAY Radio File (Canva)

(St. Michael, ND) -- A St. Michael man has been sentenced to at least 27 years in prison for the murder of a teen.  

It happened in January of 2021, when 17-year-old Leroy Chapin was shot to death by 37-year-old Cody Belgarde. Investigators say Chapin had been staying over at Belgarde's house when he was murdered, and Belgarde set his own house on fire after committing the crime.

He was convicted of second-degree murder and arson last November.