Sheriff: Elk River Officer, Son Killed In St. Michael Home
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Authorities say an Elk River police officer and his 27-year-old son were shot and killed in a double homicide in their St. Michael home Saturday night.
The death of Officer Todd Besser, a 16-year veteran of the Elk River Police Department, is under investigation, the city says.
Wright County Sheriff Joe Hagerty confirmed Sunday that Besser's death was a result of a double homicide. Besser and another adult male, identified as 27-year-old Blake Besser, were killed in the incident.
The Wright County Sheriff's Office said the deaths appear to be the result of a domestic incident. The Wright County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call at about 7:06 p.m. from a male party at 4570 Mayfield Avenue NE in St. Michael saying that he had been shot. When officers got to the scene, they discovered Blake Besser in the kitchen of the home, dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
Officers then discovered Todd Besser, 49 of Otsego, dead in the basement of the home from a gunshot wound.
Elk River Mayor John Dietz said the Officer Todd Besser's death is a "tremendous loss" to the city.
"This is a very sad day for Elk River. Officer Besser was very good at what he did. We wish our deep condolences for all his family," Dietz said.
Besser, an Air Force veteran, was a highly decorated officer, having received a medal of valor and two life saving awards, the city said.
Todd Besser was just married a year-and-a-half ago, Elk River Police Chief Ron Nierenhausen said.
Authorities say a 21-year-old man, identified as Chris Besser, is in custody in the Wright County Jail on suspicion of second-degree homicide. At about 7:45 p.m. Saturday, authorities say Chris Besser, who was at the Kwik Stop gas station in Monticello at the time, called the Wright County Sheriff's Office Communications Center and wanted to turn himself in. He was taken into custody without incident.
The Wright County Sheriff's Office says the incident is under investigation and no other suspects are being sought.