The Cook County Sheriff’s
Office has released more information on its investigation of a homicide which
occurred early this morning in Tofte. At approximately 12:12 a.m. this morning,
sheriff deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call of shots fired. Upon arrival, a Cook
County deputy observed an unresponsive male outdoors on the property of Bluefin
Bay Resort in Tofte.
According to the preliminary
investigation, several individuals stepped outside of a holiday gathering being
held at the resort’s restaurant. At some point, the suspect, Kirk Lee Bigby,
age 61 of Finland Minnesota, came into physical contact with the victim. The
suspect then allegedly produced a handgun and shot the victim.
Witnesses to the incident
identified Bigby as the shooter. Investigators located Bigby in a guest room in
the resort and took him into custody. A firearm was also located in the room.
This investigation is in its early stages and more specific details about the
encounter is part of the ongoing investigation.
The victim’s body has been
taken to the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and formal
identification. The medical examiner will identify the victim once the autopsy
and family notifications are complete. No other individuals were injured during
the incident.
During the arrest, Bigby became
uncooperative and suffered minor injuries. He was transported to Cook County
North Shore Hospital and was treated and released back into law enforcement
custody.
Bigby has been booked into the
Cook County Jail on the charge of 2nd degree murder. Bigby’s first court
appearance is undetermined at this time. Investigators do not believe there is an
ongoing threat to public safety.
The Sheriff’s Office is
conducting its investigation with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of
Criminal Apprehension.
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