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

A Minnesota man, Kirk Edward Hezlett III, has been charged with the chilling murder of his father, Kirk Edward Hezlett II, described as “execution style” in front of stunned witnesses during a family dinner at a secluded hunting cabin. The tragedy unfolded on November 15, 2024, when Hezlett III, 31, allegedly entered the cabin armed and shot his 62-year-old father in the head with cold precision, according to eyewitness accounts.

The horrifying incident took place as the three men were finishing dinner, a moment that quickly turned to chaos. Witnesses reported that Hezlett III stormed into the cabin where his father was and fired multiple shots. When the Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call about the shooting, they found the elder Hezlett lying face down on the floor, having suffered nine gunshot wounds to the head and torso.

One of the surviving victims, believed to be Hezlett II’s brother, described the scene, explaining that moments before the shooting, he had received an alert from a motion-activated camera and witnessed Hezlett III approaching with a gun. The brother tried to grab his own weapon but was too late; before he could intervene, he heard three shots.

Eyewitnesses revealed that Hezlett III commanded both men to sit down as they pleaded for their lives while the gravely wounded Hezlett II was still alive but barely breathing. Hezlett III reportedly approached his father to administer a final, fatal shot to ensure his death.

Following the attack, Hezlett III allegedly confiscated the victims’ phones, allowing them to leave the cabin unharmed. The surviving witness recounted how it was clear that Hezlett III had come with a singular intent — to kill.

Hezlett III now faces severe charges, including second-degree murder, kidnapping, and burglary, with a hefty bond set at $3 million. Details emerging from the investigation suggest a history of deep family discord, with reports indicating that the father and son had been embroiled in conflict for an extended period.

Authorities later located Hezlett III at his home in Cambridge, where they also found the vehicle used for the trip to the cabin. This incident marks a tragic chapter for the Hazlett family, revealing a long-standing rift that ultimately escalated to a shocking act of violence.