A Forest Lake man has pleaded guilty to murdering his girlfriend and leaving her blanket-shrouded body in their apartment until neighbors complained of the smell.

Lauren Mason Grove Lynch, 27, of Forest Lake, will spend more than 30 years in prison for the second-degree intentional murder of Grace Ann Vannorman, 36, in September.

"We are grateful that one who has committed such a brutal murder has been brought to justice," Washington County Attorney Pete Orput said Tuesday.

According to the criminal complaint, officers were called Sept. 11 to a Forest Lake apartment building in the 900 block of 12th Street SW. on reports from neighbors about what they thought was a dead body.

At the apartment door police encountered Lynch, who held out his wrists for handcuffs and told them, "She's inside."

Officers found Vannorman's body covered by blankets near a couch. The Ramsey County medical examiner's office later ruled that she had died as a result of homicidal violence.

Lynch told investigators that he and Vannorman had been arguing and that the dispute had turned violent. He said he punched her in the face, tried to strangle her and finally smothered her with a pillow.

Lynch also said he stabbed her in the neck several times with a kitchen knife, according to the criminal complaint.

Lynch didn't call for help and "remained with the body" for three days until officers arrived, the complaint said.

The primary cause of death was asphyxiation.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 5 in Washington County District Court.

Kevin Giles • 651-925-5037