Authorities have identified a Pinewood, Minn., man who was found dead Tuesday at a rural residence in Beltrami County.
An autopsy revealed that Colin Thomas Kirkpatrick, 48, died as a result of a stab wound, according to a sheriff's department news release.
Randy Joseph Grubich, 44, is suspected of killing Kirkpatrick, Sheriff Phil Hodapp said.
Deputies arrested Grubich on Tuesday after Kirkpatrick's body was found on a lot north of Pinewood at 17408 Centerline Road N.W., where Grubich lived, authorities said.
Robert Kelly, who owns and also lives on the property where Grubich lived, discovered Kirkpatrick's body outdoors while checking on the men who had been staying in rustic outbuildings on the property, Chief Deputy Mike Bakke said.
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Kelly was never considered a suspect, Bakke said.
The release said county deputies and agents with the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigated Kirkpatrick's death and found evidence implicating Grubich. The results of the investigation have been forwarded to a prosecutor for review, according to the release.
Grubich, who is originally from St. Paul, has not been charged in connection with Kirkpatrick's death.
Grubich made a court appearance Thursday on an unrelated charge of making terroristic threats that stemmed from an incident that occurred last week, Hodapp said.
He is being held at the Beltrami County Jail. A message left for him there was not returned Thursday.
Ingersoll reports on crime and courts. Reach him at (701) 780-1269; (800) 477-6572, ext. 269; or send e-mail to aingersoll@gfherald.com .
