Minnesota Man Chased Neighbor on ATV Before Fatally Stabbing Him Over $100 Debt, Police Say
CASS LAKE, MINNESOTA — A 21-year-old Minnesota man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after admitting to fatally stabbing his neighbor over a $100 debt in a violent confrontation that unfolded on a quiet residential road earlier this summer.
Authorities say Avery Cadwell pleaded guilty on October 24 to second-degree murder in the killing of 28-year-old Codi Brown, who was stabbed once in the chest on June 15 while riding his ATV through the neighborhood.
Police: Argument Over $100 Turned Deadly
According to court records obtained by KARE 11, Cadwell told a witness before the attack that he was “going to get” Brown. Moments later, he chased the victim on foot down Porcupine Road in Cass Lake before stabbing him once in the chest.
Investigators said Cadwell was enraged over a $100 debt he believed Brown owed him. After being stabbed, Brown managed to drive a short distance on his ATV before collapsing beside the overturned vehicle.
Deputies from the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office arrived around 9:30 p.m., finding Brown unresponsive and without a pulse. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Suspect Fled Into Woods Before Arrest
Witnesses quickly identified Cadwell by his first name, prompting deputies to launch a drone and K9 search through the wooded area near the scene. After a short pursuit, Cadwell emerged from the woods and returned home, where deputies took him into custody without further incident.
Court documents state that Cadwell later expressed remorse, admitting that he “regretted bringing a knife” when confronting Brown but claimed he thought he had only injured him, not killed him.
Police recovered the knife believed to have been used in the stabbing and confirmed the motive stemmed entirely from the unpaid $100.
Judge Hands Down 25-Year Sentence
Under Minnesota law, Cadwell initially faced up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder. However, after accepting a plea agreement, the court sentenced him to 25 years behind bars.
Community members described the killing as senseless and devastating for both families involved, given that the two men had once been friendly neighbors.
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office said the case underscores the dangers of allowing personal disputes to escalate into violence — a message local leaders hope will resonate throughout Cass Lake.
As Minnesota continues to confront rising incidents of violent disputes, community leaders urge residents to seek help or mediation before anger turns deadly. For ongoing updates on crime, justice, and local safety stories across the Midwest, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.