Police are continuing to follow up on leads in the slaying of a 30-year-old Cannon Ball man.

Alden J. Fasthorse was found dead in a hotel room at the Ramkota Inn, 800 S. Third St., at 12:03 p.m. Thursday. His last name also was spelled "Fast Horse" in court documents.

Police are looking for Sheldon McHugh, 19, whom they consider a "person of interest" in the case. Bismarck Police Chief Keith Witt said McHugh's name came up in the course of the investigation, and police believe he may have information about the homicide.

"At this point, we're not sure what the relationship is" between Fasthorse and McHugh, the chief said. He said they believe McHugh has information "that would be helpful to us in the investigation."

Police and prosecutors have been tight-lipped about the case. Witt said authorities do not want to release information which could hinder the "rapidly developing investigation."

"Basically, the investigation is going on as we speak," he said. "We're doing what we can. We're investigating any leads."

Witt said an acquaintance arrived at the Ramkota Inn to pick up Fasthorse, and a hotel employee went to Fasthorse's room when he did not meet the acquaintance. The employee found Fasthorse unresponsive and called 911.

"Bismarck Police Department officers and emergency medical personnel were called to the scene and determined that Mr. Fasthorse had injuries consistent with someone who had been stabbed," Witt said.

Sgt. Gary Malo, who is the lead investigator on the case, said preliminary results of an autopsy conducted Friday morning by the state medical examiner could take weeks to be completed, and full results including toxicology tests could take months.

Police would not comment on how many times Fasthorse had been stabbed, what kind of weapon was used or whether a weapon was recovered on the scene.

Malo said Fasthorse checked into the Ramkota on Monday night. He did not know how long Fasthorse had planned to stay in town.

"He came up with family, but he has family here as well," he said.

Though no arrests have been made in Fasthorse's death, a man law enforcement had been looking for in connection with the case Thursday night was arrested and charged for burglary. James Wisbey, 22, was charged with the Class B felony on Friday. South Central District Judge Gail Hagerty set bond for Wisbey at $5,000 cash. She prohibited him from consuming alcohol if he is released, and she ordered him to undergo random alcohol tests three times per week while the case is pending.

Wisbey "willfully entered or remained in the residence of Alden Fast Horse with intent to commit a crime of theft," according to a complaint signed by Bismarck Police Det. Mark Gaddis.

Burleigh County Assistant State's Attorney Cynthia Feland said property belonging to Fasthorse was found in Wisbey's possession. She said alcohol appears to have been involved in the alleged burglary.

Wisbey was one of two men seen with Fasthorse on a hotel surveillance tape prior to Fasthorse's death. Police released the surveillance photos Thursday night and were able to find the two men due to tips from the public. Both men were questioned, and Wisbey was held for the burglary. The other man, who has not been identified, was released after questioning.

Burleigh County State's Attorney Richard Riha said investigation into the burglary is still ongoing, and he said he could not comment on whether it was related to Fasthorse's death. The burglary was discovered as a result of the homicide investigation, he said.

Despite the violent nature of the crime, Witt said the community does not appear to be in any danger.

"This is obviously a very important investigation," he said.

Anyone with information about the case, or the whereabouts of McHugh, is asked to call the Bismarck Police Department at 223-1212 or Bismarck Area Crime Stoppers at 224-TIPS (224-8477).

McHugh, of Bismarck, is described as 5-feet-8-inches tall, about 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

(Reach reporter Jenny Michael at 250-8225 or jenny.michael@bismarcktribune.com.)