Wabasha County Grand Jury Issues First Degree Murder Indictment

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Wabasha, MN (KROC-AM News) - A rural Zumbro Falls man was arraigned today in Wabasha County Court on charges contained in a grand jury indictment handed down two weeks ago.

The indictment charges 45-year-old James Riley with first-degree murder for the death of his father in early March. He was previously charged with second-degree murder in the case. The indictment adds an allegation of premeditation and carries a sentence of life in prison if he is convicted.

According to the original criminal complaint, Riley admitted to investigators that he struck his father on the head with a hammer multiple times and stabbed him with a knife before he used a tractor lift to place his father's body in the trunk of a car at the family’s farm. Investigators say Riley later gave them a statement during which he indicated he felt wronged by his father's decision to not list him as the heir to the farm in his will.

Riley previously underwent a psychological evaluation that determined he is competent to stand trial. His conditional bail remains set at $250,000.

• Rural Zumbro Falls Man Murdered – Victim’s Son Arrested
• Zumbro Falls Man Charged With Bludgeoning and Stabbing His Father
• Zumbro Falls Man Found Competent to Face Murder Charge

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