In a case grabbing local attention, a jury in South Central District Court in Bismarck found a woman guilty of child abuse and neglect — and Judge James Hill has now ordered a pre-sentence investigation to guide her final sentence.
The trial, held at the Burleigh County courthouse, centered on injuries inflicted on a then-three-year-old child. After hearing extensive testimony, including expert medical evidence, jurors concluded the abuse was deliberate.
As is standard in North Dakota criminal cases, the court will now undertake a pre-sentence investigation (PSI) to examine the defendant’s background — criminal history, mental health, community ties, and risk of reoffending — before Judge Hill issues a sentence.
Locally, the verdict has stirred discussion among Bismarck residents and legal observers. It underscores the seriousness with which the local court treats crimes against children and the role of the judiciary in balancing punishment with rehabilitation.
The defendant, Trista Reynolds, was accused of causing bruising across her child’s body and face in 2023.
She told Bismarck police that she thought a dog caused the injuries, but medical testimony disputed that, attributing the bruising to forceful grabbing and striking.
A child care worker initially reported noticing the bruises, triggering further investigation.
The court docket lists Judge James Hill (who holds a SCJD seat covering Burleigh County and is one of several judges handling cases at the Bismarck courthouse) as presiding over the matter.
A local defense attorney, asked about the significance of the PSI, noted:
“A pre-sentence investigation helps the judge tailor a sentence grounded not just in punishment, but in risk assessment and rehabilitation.”
Prosecutors declined to comment further until sentencing is scheduled.
Once the PSI is complete — typically within a few weeks to a couple of months — Judge Hill will set a sentencing hearing. Because the charges carry stiff maximum penalties, locals will be watching closely to see how aggressive or mitigated the final sentence will be.
Given the severity of the case, it’s likely the judge will consider whether the defendant shows remorse, her ties to the community, and any mitigating circumstances documented by the investigation.
The case reminds Bismarck residents that crimes involving children are prosecuted vigorously in local courts. It shines a light on the workings of South Central Judicial District, whose judges and court operations affect daily life in Burleigh County.
The outcome may influence public trust in the judicial process, especially regarding child protection and sentencing transparency.
Monitor local court calendars or the ND Courts public access portal to track the sentencing hearing info. Stay tuned for official statements from the Burleigh County State’s Attorney’s office after sentencing is handed down. Attend public court sessions at the Burleigh County Courthouse (when sessions are open) to see firsthand how high-profile criminal cases are handled locally.
