WILLMAR -- Willmar police are investigating the early Sunday morning stabbing death of a 21-year-old Willmar man.
Police said two 17-year-old males were taken into custody in connection with the stabbing. One is being held at the Prairie Lakes Detention Center in Willmar on a charge of second-degree murder. The second is facing a charge of obstructing legal process.
They were taken into custody after police and Willmar Ambulance were called at 12:49 a.m. to the area of 1337 24th St. N.W.
Police found the man lying on the lawn near an apartment building, suffering from apparent stab wounds to the chest. Police Sgt. Jim Felt said in a news release that first aid was administered and the man was transported by ambulance to Rice Memorial Hospital, where he later died.
Witnesses identified individuals involved in a fight with the man and said the suspects fled on foot. Officers searched the area and found the two suspects hiding nearby.
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The identity of the stabbing victim is being withheld until the family is notified. The names of the suspects are not being released at this time due to their juvenile status, Felt said.
If a murder charge is filed, that case will become public as felony matters against 16- or 17-year-olds are handled in open court.
Obstructing the legal process is a misdemeanor.
Felt said the initial investigation indicates the victim and suspects were known to each other and the incident is not considered random.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office and the Sheriff's Reserve also assisted in the case.
