Prosecutors charge 3 with murder, say 19-year-old stabbed Willmar woman in plot to steal cash

August 2, 2013 at 6:05PM

WILLMAR, Minn. — Three teens are charged with murder in the death of a church volunteer who was found strangled and stabbed in her Willmar home.

Nineteen-year-old Brok Junkermeier was charged with intentional second-degree murder Friday in Kandiyohi County. Two others, ages 16 and 17 — also face charges.

Police found 79-year-old Lila Warwick Monday night after authorities went there to check on her welfare.

Prosecutors say Junkermeier said one of the teens thought Warwick had $40,000 in a safe, so they plotted to steal it.

Police say Junkermeier broke into Warwick's home, cut her with a sword-like knife and forced her to write out a $1,500 check. Police say he then strangled her, repeatedly stabbed her, then threw her downstairs.

It was not immediately clear if Junkermeier had an attorney.

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