John Pierre Jr: The Story Behind His Case as Netflix Releases I Am a Killer

Episode 6 of I Am A Killer on Netflix, titled A Brutal Outcome, delves into the tragic murder of John Pierre Jr, who was fatally stabbed in March 2013.

The fifth season of I Am A Killer premiered on the streaming platform on October 16, 2024, introducing five new episodes that explore real-life criminal cases and stories.

This episode features discussions with the perpetrator, as well as insights from others connected to the case and its resolution, aiming to provide viewers with a comprehensive understanding of what transpired regarding John Pierre Jr.

John Pierre Jr. was murdered

According to I Am a Killer on Netflix, 26-year-old Montana resident John Pierre Jr was tragically killed on March 6, 2013. The incident unfolded during a house party where he was socializing with friends and locals. The attacker inflicted a single stab wound to John’s chest following a dispute rooted in a longstanding tribal rivalry.

An autopsy revealed that John passed away due to injuries to his pulmonary artery and aorta. Although the external appearance of the stab wound may not have suggested severity, there was significant internal bleeding.

Sheriff Donald Bell, who appears in I Am a Killer, described the chaotic scene:

“I saw a group gathered around a male sitting on the ground—John Pierre. I recognized him and his family well. When I talked to him, he didn’t respond. It was clear he was in shock.”

He further elaborated:

“The small amount of blood seeping from his shirt led me to believe he was suffering from substantial internal bleeding. I continued to speak with him until he lost consciousness. We laid him back, checked for a pulse, and began CPR.”

Who was responsible for John Pierre Jr’s death?

Authorities quickly identified Makueeyapee Whitford as the person who took John Pierre Jr’s life. After the stabbing, Whitford panicked and fled the scene in his truck. Witnesses were able to provide a description of his vehicle, which led the police to locate it parked outside a motel a short distance from the crime scene.

Police surrounded the motel and called for Whitford, who eventually exited. Initially, he denied any involvement at the party, but later changed his story, admitting he attended but insisted he did not participate in the stabbing. He was arrested later that same day.

In December 2014, Whitford stood trial for deliberate homicide. Following a protracted six-day trial, he was convicted on December 22, 2014, and sentenced to 60 years in prison, with a minimum of 25 years before he can apply for parole.

As portrayed in I Am a Killer, Makueeyapee Whitford asserts that he acted in self-defense and claims to have been a victim of a hate crime.

For further details on this case, be sure to catch the final episode of I Am a Killer available on Netflix.

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