Minnesota Man, 31, Charged with Murdering Father ‘Execution Style’ at Hunting Cabin

A Minnesota man is facing serious allegations after allegedly murdering his father in a shocking “execution style” shooting inside a remote hunting cabin. Kirk Edward Hezlett III, aged 31, stands accused of gunning down his 62-year-old father, Kirk Edward Hezlett II, in front of two witnesses during a dinner gathering at the cabin. The incident, which has left the community in turmoil, reportedly stems from a long-standing familial dispute.

According to sources, chaos broke out on the evening of November 15 when Hezlett III burst into the cabin where his father and two others were dining. He allegedly shot his father in the head at close proximity. Emergency responders were called after witnesses fled to a nearby cabin, where they reported the shooting incident.

The Pine County Sheriff’s Office arrived shortly after receiving the 911 call and found the elder Hezlett lying face down on the floor, having suffered a total of nine gunshot wounds to his head and torso. One of the witnesses, believed to be the victim’s brother, described the terrifying moments. He stated that a notification from a motion-activated trail camera alerted him to an intruder, and before he could react, he heard gunfire.

As the horrifying scene unfolded, the brother attempted to retrieve a handgun from his bedroom but was unable to stop Hezlett III, who entered through a side door and fired shots. The affidavit reveals that one of the witnesses could still hear the elder Hazlett breathing, but Hezlett III approached his father and shot him again to ensure he was dead.

The chilling account describes how, after the shooting, the suspect ordered the other two men to sit on the couch as they begged for their lives. Eventually, Hezlett III confiscated their phones and allowed them to leave, leaving a path of trauma in his wake.

Currently, Hezlett III is being held on a $3 million bond, facing charges of second-degree murder, kidnapping, and burglary. The affidavit indicates that tensions had been brewing between father and son, with family members explaining that their relationship had been strained for quite some time.

Law enforcement has had previous interactions with the family, having been called to the cabin about a month prior due to another altercation that reportedly involved alcohol. In that instance, Hezlett II had taken measures to have his son trespassed from the property.

As this tragic story unfolds, the impact on the community and the family members left behind is profound. The investigation continues as authorities piece together the details surrounding this devastating crime.