New developments have emerged in the fatal shooting that took place early Saturday morning, August 10th, at the Acorn Lake Trailer Park in Frazee. The suspect, 31-year-old Willis Charles McDonald, is claiming he shot 31-year-old Arlan Ray Bergstrom Jr. of Detroit Lakes in self-defense.
The Becker County Sheriff’s Office received a report at approximately 1:20 AM on Saturday about a shooting incident. Emergency personnel responded quickly but were unable to save Bergstrom, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
About half an hour later, McDonald called dispatch from his residence on East Wymer Lake Road in Otter Tail County, reporting that he had been involved in the altercation and had shot Bergstrom in self-defense. Authorities arrested McDonald without incident at around 2 AM, just 40 minutes after the initial report.
According to court documents, McDonald told investigators from the Minnesota BCA and the Becker County Sheriff’s Office that he had met a woman at the Becker County Fair on Friday. Later that evening, she invited him to her residence at the Acorn Lake Trailer Park for a cigarette. McDonald stated that while they were sitting in his car, Bergstrom approached and began attacking him through the window, prompting McDonald to retrieve his handgun from the back of the vehicle.
McDonald claims that Bergstrom continued to assault him, attempting to grab the firearm, leading McDonald to cock the weapon and fire. Bergstrom was struck and fell to the ground. After the incident, McDonald fled the scene and later called law enforcement to turn himself in after consulting with his sister.
The woman present during the incident corroborated McDonald’s account, confirming that Bergstrom and McDonald did not know each other. The medical examiner has ruled Bergstrom’s death a homicide.
McDonald made his first court appearance earlier today, August 12th, and is now facing charges of 2nd Degree Murder Without Intent and 1st Degree Manslaughter.
This story is still developing as the investigation continues. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.