Dodge Center man sentenced in deaths A southeastern Minnesota man will spend the rest of his life in prison for murdering his wife and 12-year-old son, whose death struggle with his father allowed his two wounded sisters to escape with their lives.
Ismael Bugarin, 35, of Dodge Center, pleaded guilty in Dodge County District Court to first-degree premeditated murder and other charges. A judge sentenced him to life without parole.
Bugarin attacked his family on Nov. 8, 2008, because his wife, Teresa, 27, said she was leaving, according to a criminal complaint. He shot and stabbed her, then stabbed their three children. Teresa Bugarin died at the scene.
The girls -- ages 8 and 6 -- survived, authorities say, thanks to their brother. Nick wrested the knife away and stabbed his father, allowing the girls to flee. Nick also fled, but he bled to death.
PAUL WALSH
Teen pleads guilty in crash death A Stillwater teenager has pleaded guilty to two counts of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. Austin R. Pederson, 18, pleaded guilty in St. Croix County Circuit Court. On June 1, he was speeding in Star Prairie, Wis., with marijuana in his system when he lost control of his car, according to authorities. Daishonna Payne, 17, and Alan Alwin, both of Somerset, Wis., were killed.
PAUL WALSH
St. Cloud man charged in death A 47-year-old St. Cloud man said he argued with a 43-year-old man before fatally shooting him at a gathering at a mobile home, according to charges. Leun Thongpasom, who lived in the park where the shooting occurred, was charged in Benton County District Court with second-degree murder.
