Blaine father charged for fatally shooting son
ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. (KMSP) - A 61-year-old father is charged with second-degree murder for fatally shooting his son last week in Blaine, Minn.
While police were arresting Joseph Effertz, he told them "I kept shooting until I couldn't anymore," according to the criminal complaint.
On Friday morning, police dispatch received a 911 call from Joseph Effertz saying he had just shot his son, Joshua Effertz. When Blaine Police arrived, they found Joshua Effertz laying in the middle of the street in front of the home on the 3200 block of 89th Curve. He had a "large amount" of blood on his clothes and body.
As emergency crews transported Joshua Effertz, he made comments that suggested his brother had shot him. Investigation revealed his only brother wasn't there at the time.
When officers knocked on the door, they noticed blood on the porch and side of the home. Joseph Effertz opened the door and cooperated with officials, telling them the gun was in the bedroom. Police found a 9mm handgun in the bedroom and saw blood, shell casings and bullet fragments throughout the home.
Joseph Effertz told police he shot his son multiple times. He said his son came into his room that morning looking for a video tape. Effertz told officers he thought his son was under the influence of drugs and was afraid of him, but also said his son had not acted aggressively toward him.
Joseph Effertz then took his loaded gun from underneath the covers. His son saw the gun. As Joshua Effertz turned to leave, Joseph Effertz started shooting.
Preliminary reports show Joshua Effertz received three to four gunshot wounds on his lower back, right thigh, right bicep and left forearm. The gunshots all appeared to enter Joshua Effertz from behind.
Emergency crews tried to revive Joshua Effertz, but were unsuccessful. Authorities pronounced him dead at 8:08 a.m.
The judge set bail at $750,000. His next hearing is set for August 22.
FIRST REPORT: Father arrested in fatal shooting of son in Blaine, Minn.