John Everette Lutgen-Bernatz, 27, was found dead in a North Mankato apartment on July 23, 2024. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide from multiple gunshot wounds, and the case was noted as North Mankato’s first homicide investigation of the year.

Police were called to the Village Court Apartments after a woman—identified as Lutgen-Bernatz’s girlfriend—reported a dispute over money. Officers found Lutgen-Bernatz deceased and arrested 41-year-old Dominic Scott Ellen at the scene. The girlfriend told investigators Ellen had been waiting for them when they returned and allegedly said Lutgen-Bernatz was going to have to die before shooting him.

Family and friends remembered John, also known as Jack, as kind-hearted and generous, with a love of fishing, music, poetry, and cooking. If anyone has information about John or the events at Village Court Apartments on July 23, 2024, please come forward.