A Hibbing man was charged Friday in the 2017 death of his former landlord.

Blake Andrew Stangel, 51, was charged with second-degree manslaughter following a DNA match, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.

According to the criminal complaint: A November 2017 welfare check led to the discovery of the body of Hibbing resident Courtney Fenske, 71. A mail carrier had contacted authorities when Fenske hadn't picked up her mail for several days.

Her death was ruled a homicide due to asphyxia. Fenske was found with pants wrapped around her face and neck and her arms and legs tied together. DNA samples were taken from the scene but no initial match resulted.

A May 20 tip to the Grand Rapids Police Department led the sheriff's department to Stangel, who was arrested on outstanding warrants for unrelated charges. He was convicted of intent to escape paying taxes on a motor vehicle in 2016, a gross misdemeanor.

Stangel was also charged with second-degree methamphetamine possession last week.

Provided by St. Louis County, Star Tribune

He consented to a DNA sample that was tested by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Stangel is being held at the St. Louis County Jail on $100,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 10.

Jana Hollingsworth