On February 18, 2024, in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, 33-year-old Stephen Erik Grytdahl was shot and killed. Deputies say they responded after a 911 call placed by Stephen’s younger brother, 30-year-old Connor Bruce Grytdahl, around 11:20 p.m., during which Connor reported shooting his brother. Deputies found Stephen deceased at the scene and detained Connor.

Earlier that night Connor had contacted the Grant County Sheriff’s Office to report that Stephen was drinking and allegedly violating probation. Deputies confirmed Stephen had been consuming alcohol but could not reach his probation officer and advised the brothers to separate for the night. Connor later told investigators that Stephen confronted him aggressively, a physical fight followed, and Connor retrieved a handgun and shot Stephen in the chest.

Connor was charged with second-degree unintentional murder and held on $1 million bail. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting the investigation. Stephen and Connor were two of four brothers in a family noted as close; Connor is a salesman and father of three. Does anyone have information about the events that night or knew the Grytdahl family?