BCA: Ralph Apmann was no-show in murder trial hearing; is armed and may be in metro
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Authorities are trying to find a Windom man who failed to appear in court Monday during his murder trial.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says Ralph Apmann, 58, was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree murder in connection to a homicide at a Windom bar back in 2021. He posted bail after his initial arrest. His trial started last week.
Court documents say Apmann had an altercation with Juan Morales Rivera after the two played pool together. The two went outside for a smoke when Apmann held Rivera to the ground and held his neck until he lost consciousness. He then left the bar. Rivera later died at the hospital.
Apmann's whereabouts are unknown, and he's being sought by the BCA and Windom police.
Windom News reports that when Apmann's defense attorney called his cellphone Monday morning, a woman answered and said Apmann -- and his gun -- weren't there. Windom schools were put on a soft lockdown as a result.
The BCA says he's likely somewhere in the Twin Cities, and is "believed to be armed with a 9mm handgun and an AR-15 rifle."
Apmann is described as a white man who stands 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and weighs about 230 pounds. He has hazel eyes and is bald, with a gray beard.
Authorities advise the public not to approach Apmann if he's spotted, and to call 911 immediately.