One year after the tragic murder of Elk River Officer Todd Besser and his son, Blake, were murdered by son/brother Christopher in a St. Michael home, the communities they impacted throughout their lives here in the northwestern suburbs are gathering to remember them. Spearheaded by Besser’s widow, Gwen, the Inaugural Sunshine 5k is set for […]
Christopher Besser Sentenced to 61 Years for Pair of St. Michael Murders
The St. Michael resident who gunned down his father and brother the night before Mother’s Day has been sentenced to more than 60 years in prison. The sentencing for Christopher Besser was held Friday, Feb. 5. Christopher pleaded guilty to shooting his father, Officer Todd Besser, and brother, Blake Besser, in Wright County District Court Tuesday, Dec. […]
BREAKING: Grand Jury Indicts St. Michael Shooter on Two Counts of First-Degree Murder
Wright County Attorney Tom Kelly announced Thursday, July 21 that a Grand Jury convened this summer to review the shootings of two men in St. Michael has returned an indictment on Christopher Besser, with two counts of first degree murder in the shooting his father, Officer Todd Besser, and brother, Blake. In May, Kelly told […]
Hundreds Attend Besser Funeral, Hundreds More Line Streets to Say Good Bye
Officer Todd Besser and his son, Blake, victims of a tragic shooting in St. Michael, were honored in Elk River Sunday afternoon.
Police officers in their dress blues from around the state of Minnesota, along with hundreds of friends, family members and colleagues were on hand to say good-bye to Elk River Officer Todd Besser and his son, Blake at Elk River High School Sunday afternoon. In an emotional service, Elk River’s Police Chief, Ron Nierenhausen remembered […]
Attorney: Christopher Besser to Face Murder Charges in St. Michael Shootings
The 21-year-old will appear on second-degree murder charges, but Wright County Attorney Tom Kelly will convene a grand jury in June.
Christopher Besser used a 30/30 rifle to gun down his father and brother Saturday night in a pair of murders that have shaken three communities. Besser, 21, shot his father, Todd, an off-duty Elk River Police officer, in the back of the head, and his brother directly in the chest, killing them both, according to […]
Funeral Services Scheduled for Victims of St. Michael Shooting
Officer Todd Besser and his son, Blake, will be laid to rest Sunday, May 17 in Elk River.
The Elk River Police Department has announced funeral arrangements for Officer Todd Besser, 49, and his son, Blake, 27, the two victims in the shooting Saturday evening in St. Michael. A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 17 at the Elk River High School Gym, 900 School Street, Elk River, with a visitation set […]
Elk River Police Department Issues Statement on Loss of Comrade
Press conference regarding murders in Wright County set for Tuesday morning.
The Elk River Police Department has issued a formal statement on the tragic loss of Officer Todd Besser a 16-year veteran of the department. It is with heavy hearts that the Elk River Police Department reports the tragic death of Officer Todd Besser. Todd was a… Posted by City of Elk River Police Department on […]
UPDATE: Elk River Officer Todd Besser One of Two Men Shot in St. Michael
The Wright County Sheriff's Office has one man in custody after yesterday's shooting.
UPDATE (5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10): An Elk River Police Officer’s son has been identified as the gunman in an incident that left two men dead in a St. Michael home. Christopher Besser, 21, was booked into the Wright County Jail shortly after midnight Sunday, May 10 on charges of second degree murder. The deceased […]