A northwestern Minnesota woman has admitted that she murdered her boyfriend by lashing him by the neck to an SUV and dragging him along a country road.

Jessica M. Kilde, 33, of Ogema, pleaded guilty this week in Becker County District Court to second-degree intentional murder in the Aug. 15 death of Richard A. Baity, 41.

According to prosecutors:

Sheriff's deputies found Baity's body on the road about 50 yards from his driveway along E. 370th Street in Maple Grove Township.

Evidence pointed to Baity having been dragged, including the discovery nearby of a broken strap that was consistent with the fresh marks on the victim's neck.

Also, drag marks on the road led back to Baity's home, "indicating Baity had been dragged down the driveway and onto the roadway," the complaint read.

Kilde was spotted nearby driving a vehicle which had a portion of a strap tied to the top of the frame of the passenger-side rear door. The strap on the door matched the strap found near Baity's body.

Kilde told authorities that she and Baity had a disagreement at his home that night, but it was nothing serious.

The complaint noted that the two had been drinking and smoking methamphetamine at the home earlier in the day.

Kilde remains jailed ahead of sentencing on March 16. Her criminal history includes convictions for drunken driving, check forgery, domestic assault and disorderly conduct.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482