A Poplar resident, Michael J. Ackerman, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and using a firearm during a violent crime, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. Ackerman, 74, faces up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris accepted the plea and will determine the sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for June 3, 2026. Ackerman remains in custody pending further proceedings.
According to court documents presented by prosecutors, law enforcement officers responded to a call in Billings on September 14, 2025. They were informed that Ackerman had admitted to killing three individuals identified as Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2. Deputies made contact with Ackerman at his residence in Billings.
After being read his Miranda rights, Ackerman agreed to speak with officers. He described events from September 11, 2025: “He and the rest of the people in the house were using methamphetamine.” He said he believed Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2 were “setting him up.” While in a bedroom with Jane Doe 1—who he said was holding a pistol—Ackerman picked up his own Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol and shot her twice in the head. He then went into another room where John Doe and Jane Doe 2 were sleeping and shot them both.
Ackerman told law enforcement they would find the deceased at his home in Poplar.
Officers from the Fort Peck Law and Justice Department went to Ackerman’s house but received no response. After obtaining a telephonic search warrant from Fort Peck Tribal Court around 5:30am, they entered the home and found all three victims inside with gunshot wounds; four spent nine-millimeter casings were located near their bodies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case. The investigation involved the FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.
