On August 26, 2024, at approximately 0624 hours, Moorhead Police Officers were dispatched to 2925 50th Street South for the report of an assault. Dispatch reported that the assault had occurred at 3015 33rd Street South in the City of Moorhead, County of Clay, State of Minnesota. A male, identified as D. G. (hereinafter "Victim"), reported that he had been assaulted by two males and that Kaitlyn Michelle Kay Smith [DOB REDACTED] (hereinafter "Smith") had set up the assault. The Victim [NAME REDACTED] told that he would be murdered if he told anyone about the incident.
Defendant, who the Victim had been dating for about a month, picked the Victim up around 0515 hours and drove him (Victim) to 3015 33rd Street South in Moorhead. Smith was driving a 2020 maroon Chrysler Pacifica bearing MN license plate [PLATE REDACTED]. Upon arriving at the address, Smith and the Victim walked around the north side of the residence, at which point the Victim was blindsided by two men. The Victim was struck with closed fists and kicked by both parties countless times, with those blows landing on the Victims face, head and the side of his body.
The men held down the Victim's arms as the Victim [NAME REDACTED]. A piece of cloth was attempted to be shoved down the Victim's throat. One male then placed the Victim in a "rear naked choke," which caused the Victim [NAME REDACTED]. The Victim [NAME REDACTED] during this time, he partially blacked out and saw stars. When officers were speaking with the Victim, [NAME REDACTED] injuries, including significant bruising and swelling to the left side of his head, a swollen right ear, swollen lips, bruising to the right side of his abdomen and a scrape to his right knuckle.
The Victim was transported to the hospital for treatment and was diagnosed with a broken pinkie finger, deviated septum and fractured ribs. The Victim [NAME REDACTED] on his head. After the assault ended, the men left the area, taking the Victim's black backpack, which contained utility tools, an iPhone 12, cologne, cell phone chargers, legal paperwork, an assortment of clothing, a digital scale, and bank and identification cards and bank cards. The items taken are valued at $840. Defendant then gave the Victim a ride back to his residence at around 0610 hours.
During that time, Smith told the Victim [NAME REDACTED] told anyone about what happened, "they will kill you, your mom, and me." Officers also learned that Smith and the Victim have been together or about a month. When Smith picked up the Victim [NAME REDACTED], Smith told him "Don't bring Opal." Opal is the Victim's dog, and the Victim [NAME REDACTED] told him not to bring Opal as Smith knew that Opal would protect him. Smith also told the Victim to go through the back door of the residence, which was abnormal to the Victim.
Moorhead Officers spoke with F. V., who had information regarding the assault. F. V. Provided Ofc. J. Secord with a phone number belonging to Jeremiah Francis McDonald [DOB REDACTED](hereinafter "McDonald"). F. V. Stated that McDonald was Defendant's best friend and described McDonald as a white male, in his 30s, standing approximately 5'10", weighing 120-130 lbs, with blonde hair shaved into a buzzcut. F. V. Stated "they" had plans to set the victim up and they were blaming F. V. When asked who "they" were, F. V. Stated it was Defendant, McDonald and "everyone else." F. V. Stated that he saw Smith and McDonald a few hours after the robbery/assault occurred.
