Investigation continues into slaying of Orono doctor

November 20, 2013 at 2:52AM
Flowers were left at the home of Dr. Stephen Larson, 74, a surgeon who was slain Friday night. Police later shot and killed an armed Ted Hoffstrom, 30, outside of Larson’s home.
Flowers were left at the home of Larson, 74, a surgeon who was slain Friday night. Police later shot and killed an armed Hoffstrom, 30, outside of Larson’s home. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Authorities offered no new information Tuesday as the investigation continued into Friday's shooting death of a prominent Orono physician and the subsequent shooting of the suspect by police.

Meanwhile, the family of Ted C. Hoffstrom, the 30-year-old St. Anthony lawyer who was shot to death by police when he confronted them in the doctor's yard, announced funeral plans.

The Hoffstrom family, along with that of Dr. Stephen L. Larson, 74, who was killed by Hoffstrom, declined Tuesday to comment further.

On Monday, authorities said Hoffstrom had expressed hostility toward Larson because of how he believed the doctor had treated his mother in an undisclosed medical situation.

Orono police responding to a call about trouble at Larson's house were confronted outside the home by an armed Hoffstrom. Attempts to negotiate with him failed and he was shot and killed, authorities said. Larson was then found dead inside the house, shot with the gun Hoffstrom had wielded, ballistics tests later showed.

The four Orono officers involved were placed on paid administrative leave. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate.

Sheriff Rich Stanek called Friday night's drama "a tragedy of epic proportions for both families."

In an online obituary, Hoffstrom's family said visitation will be held Nov. 26, with services Nov. 27, at a Minneapolis church. Many of the people offering condolences to the family expressed shock about Friday's events, saying that they knew Hoffstrom only as a friendly and gentle person.

STAFF REPORTS

Dr. Stephen Larson
Dr. Stephen Larson (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Ted Hoffstrom
Ted Hoffstrom (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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