Minnesota Man, 31, Charged with Executing Father in Front of Uncle at Hunting Cabin

A Minnesota man, Kirk Edward Hezlett III, faces serious charges after he allegedly shot and killed his father, Kirk Edward Hezlett II, in a chilling “execution style” attack at a remote hunting cabin. Witnesses claim the 31-year-old burst into the cabin during dinner and fired a fatal shot to his father’s head at point-blank range. The incident, which took place on November 15, 2024, has raised alarm due to a long-standing family conflict thought to be the motive behind this shocking act of violence.

As reported, the Pine County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 8:45 PM, alerting them to a shooting incident near the small town of Hinckley, located about 80 miles north of Minneapolis. Emergency responders found the elder Hezlett lying face down on the floor, having sustained nine gunshot wounds to his head and torso.

Witness accounts depict a harrowing scene. One of the surviving men, reportedly Hezlett II’s brother, mentioned that he received an alert from a motion-activated camera just before the chaos erupted. After checking the live feed, he was shocked to see his nephew entering their cabin brandishing a firearm. In a swift movement, the brother attempted to arm himself, but before he could react, he heard three gunshots.

As he returned, he stumbled upon his brother on the floor, lifeless, while Hezlett III stood over him with a gun. The accused then ordered the surviving witnesses to sit on the couch as they pleaded for their lives. According to one of the survivors, despite the injuries, Hezlett II was still showing signs of life until his son shot him again to “finish the job.”

Kirk Edward Hezlett III is now being held on a staggering $3 million bond, facing charges that include second-degree murder, burglary, and kidnapping. After the shooting, he reportedly confiscated the survivors’ phones but eventually allowed them to leave the scene. Witnesses described the encounter as if he had come with a clear intent to kill, asserting he was “very coherent” in the moments leading up to the brutal act.

Details of the family dynamics indicate that the father-son relationship had been strained for quite some time. Just a month prior to the tragic murder, law enforcement had responded to a disturbance at the cabin due to a disagreement fueled by alcohol, which had resulted in Hezlett II preventing his son from returning to the property.

Kirk Edward Hezlett III’s actions have left a community in shock, as the tragedy unfolded in an otherwise quiet area. His arrest followed a swift search that led deputies to his residence in Cambridge, along with the vehicle he used to reach the cabin.

This disturbing case has grasped public attention, as family turmoil led to a catastrophic outcome. As the legal process unfolds, the chilling details continue to emerge, painting a portrait of a once ordinary family torn apart by strife.