The trial of Michael Lee LaFlex, a 46-year-old man from Merrifield, accused of murdering his daughter’s boyfriend, Bryce Brogle, is scheduled to commence on Friday, March 29. LaFlex had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
The alleged murder took place in October 2022 at a storage facility in Mission Township. LaFlex faces one count of premeditated first-degree murder and one count of second-degree felony murder, not premeditated. The maximum penalties for these charges are life imprisonment and 40 years, respectively.
In a recent court appearance before Judge Charles Halverson in Crow Wing County District Court in Brainerd, LaFlex’s public defender, Mark Hansen, sought permission for an expert witness on relationship violence to testify about the dynamics of an abusive relationship. Hansen argued that LaFlex’s defense strategy would be self-defense in protecting others.
However, Crow Wing County Attorney Don Ryan opposed this request, stating that it was not relevant as the victim was Brogle and not LaFlex’s daughter. Hansen countered by emphasizing the witness’s ability to shed light on the potential danger to LaFlex’s daughter. Judge Halverson stated that he would consider both arguments and make a ruling at a later date.
Jury selection for the trial is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 29, in Crow Wing County District Court.
Background information reveals that LaFlex was initially arraigned on a charge of second-degree murder with intent in November 2022. Subsequently, a grand jury indicted him on charges of first-degree murder on March 30, 2023. According to the criminal complaint filed by the Crow Wing County Attorney’s Office, Brogle, 23, was reported missing after visiting a storage unit rented by LaFlex.
During the investigation, LaFlex provided conflicting statements to law enforcement about Brogle’s whereabouts. A concerned citizen, who remained anonymous but was known to law enforcement, relayed information about LaFlex’s involvement in the incident. The citizen reported that LaFlex believed Brogle was abusing his daughter and confessed to shooting Brogle at the storage unit complex in Mission Township.
As the trial approaches, the community awaits the outcome of this tragic case, hoping for justice to be served. In a shocking turn of events, a family member of the late Brogle reported to authorities that LaFlex had allegedly cleaned a storage unit with bleach and claimed to have disposed of Brogle’s body, stating that he would never be found as he had been buried. This disturbing revelation led to a thorough investigation by law enforcement officials.
On October 29, 2022, a search warrant was executed at LaFlex’s storage unit, where authorities discovered a substance on the floor that tested positive for blood. Additionally, a bottle of bleach was found at the scene, indicating an attempt to conceal evidence. Marks on the concrete floor suggested that a heavy object, possibly resembling the width of a sled, had been dragged across the floor.
Following this discovery, law enforcement conducted a foot search of public land in Crow Wing County on October 30, 2022, in an effort to locate Brogle’s body. Their efforts paid off when they identified a potential gravesite and proceeded to excavate a body with a gunshot wound to the back of the head. The body was later confirmed to be that of Brogle and was transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination. The autopsy results revealed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, leaving many residents in disbelief at the tragic turn of events. The search for justice continues as authorities work tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against LaFlex, who now faces serious charges in connection with Brogle’s death.
As the investigation unfolds, Tim Speier, a dedicated staff writer, remains committed to providing updates and insights into this developing story. He can be reached on Twitter at @timmy2thyme, or contacted via phone at 218-855-5859 or email at tim.speier@brainerddispatch.com for any additional information or inquiries.
Stay tuned for more updates as this harrowing case continues to unfold, shedding light on the dark and tragic circumstances surrounding Brogle’s untimely demise..
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