Authorities say they will file charges Tuesday against the 21-year-old man who is suspected of fatally shooting an older brother and his father, an Elk River police officer, over the weekend in the family's home in St. Michael.
Christopher T. Besser was arrested Saturday night at a convenience store in nearby Monticello, less than an hour after Todd Besser, 49, and Blake Besser, 27, were shot to death in the home in the 4500 block of Mayfield Avenue. Blake Besser's body was found in the kitchen. The elder Besser's body was found in the basement.
The home where the killings occurred was occupied by the Besser sons. Their father had remarried and was living in Otsego. The mother of the sons no longer lived there.
Once charges are filed against the youngest of the three grown Besser sons, Wright County Attorney Tom Kelly will hold a news conference at the County Law Enforcement Center in Buffalo.
Todd Besser was a 16-year veteran of the Elk River police force who had just completed a four-year stint as a liaison officer in the city's public schools. A funeral service for Todd and Blake Besser will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Elk River High School. The public is invited to the service, which will begin with visitation at the school from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by the funeral in the school gym. After the service, a law enforcement procession with family, officers and community members will make its way to Orono Cemetery in Elk River for a burial service for Todd Besser.
Blake Besser's burial is scheduled for Monday.
A memorial fund has been established in Officer Besser's name at the Bank of Elk River, 630 Main St., Elk River. It is the only official memorial fund.
Paul Walsh
