ST. PAUL -- Law Enforcement officials are asking residents to be on-the-lookout for two men wanted in connection with a murder in Cottonwood County and burglary near Mankato.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Gerald Irving Holt, 22, also known as Ivan Lopez and "Latin;" and Lionel Benavidez, 21, also known as "Blaze." Holt is 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds. Benavidez is 6-feet tall, also weighing about 185 pounds. Both men have dark hair, brown eyes, and are of Hispanic descent, according to a news release made Wednesday by the Cottonwood County Sheriff.
Witnesses indicated the men may be traveling throughout the region. These suspects are armed and dangerous -- officials warn that anyone who may have seen them to call 911 immediately. No attempt should be made to confront these men.
"In situations like this, when suspects are on the move, we know that the public is a tremendous asset to helping us find them," said Cottonwood County Sheriff Jason Purrington said in the release. "They may be stopping to get gas, staying at a hotel or home in the area, or otherwise in the public and you are our eyes and ears in pinpointing exactly where they are. We want to catch them as soon as possible to restore a sense of safety to our community."
The men are wanted in connection with the murder of Alberto Samilpa, Jr., who was found in Cottonwood County near U.S. Highway 71 and County Road 3 early Monday. In addition, law enforcement authorities suspect they were also involved in a burglary Saturday near Mankato.
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Anyone with information regarding Holt or Benavidez should call 911 or the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension tip line at 1-877-99-MNBCA (877-996-6222).
