A pre-dawn exchange of gunfire in a downtown Bismarck bar parking lot left two men dead on September 23, 2023. The shooting occurred about 12:30 a.m. at 115 S 5th Street. Bismarck police officers nearby heard the shots and responded; they found 21-year-old Victor King of Mandan and 35-year-old Jesus Vera-Leon of Bismarck with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to local hospitals and later pronounced dead.

The Bismarck Police Department’s Investigations Division opened a homicide probe, has been interviewing witnesses and reviewing video, and has asked anyone with information who has not yet spoken with officers to come forward. Victor King was born in New Jersey, moved to North Dakota in 2015, graduated from Bismarck High School in 2020, worked in restaurants and construction, and enjoyed hunting and time with friends and family; his family had recently suffered several other losses.

If anyone saw the parking lot around 12:30 a.m. on September 23 or has video or information not yet shared with police, please contact investigators.