Authorities

probe

slaying of

Morton man

Body found in Minnesota River

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

OLIVIA -- Law enforcement authorities are investigating the stabbing death of a rural Morton man whose body was recovered Saturday from the Minnesota River.

Deputies from the Redwood and Renville County sheriff's departments are working with agents of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to get some answers about the circumstances that led to the death of Robert Frederick Berry, 50, of the Lower Sioux Indian Community.

The investigation began late Friday night with a call to the Renville County dispatcher's station about a possible crime in the city of Morton. The call came in around 10:15 p.m., according to a press release issued Saturday by the Renville County Sheriff's Department.

Further investigation found that a murder took place at the residence. Blood was found inside the house and at a spot besides the Minnesota River. Berry's body was found Saturday morning in the river, just north of Redwood Falls.

Berry was purportedly stabbed about 15 times and may have been taken to the river in his own vehicle, where his body was dumped and the vehicle was burned.

An unnamed, 17-year old male suspect was arrested and taken into custody in connection with Berry's death on Saturday. The Renville County Attorney's Office has also issued arrest warrants for three other adults.

Renville County Attorney David Torgelson said he is unsure if a murder weapon was recovered, because Berry's killers could have disposed of it. He said any possible motive for the stabbing is also unclear. He also said he thinks the incident may have happened at a house party on Friday night with as many as 14 witnesses present.

Torgelson said the person or people who killed Berry may have had help dropping the body into the river and setting Berry's car on fire. The car reportedly was so badly burned that it might be tough for investigators to gather evidence even though a BCA crime lab team is said to have examined the vehicle.

Torgelson said officials from Renville and Redwood counties will soon determine where the case will be prosecuted because the stabbing likely happened in Morton, which is in Renville County, but Berry's body was disposed of in Redwood County.