by CASS LAKE, MINNESOTA — A Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing his neighbor after chasing him down in the street over a $100 debt, according to court records and local authorities.
The shocking incident unfolded earlier this year in Cass Lake, where 21-year-old Avery Cadwell admitted to stabbing 28-year-old Codi Brown in the chest after an argument about money spiraled into deadly violence.
The Fatal Confrontation
On June 15, witnesses reported seeing Brown riding his ATV down Porcupine Road when Cadwell suddenly began chasing him on foot. According to a criminal complaint obtained by NBC affiliate KARE 11, Cadwell had told someone before the attack that he was “going to get” Brown.
Moments later, Cadwell caught up to the ATV and delivered a single, fatal stab wound to Brown’s chest.
Court documents reveal that Brown tried to keep driving for a short distance before collapsing beside his tipped-over ATV. Deputies from the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office responded around 9:30 p.m., finding Brown unresponsive and without a pulse. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Search and Arrest
After the stabbing, witnesses quickly identified the suspect by his first name, prompting deputies to launch an extensive search using K9 units and drones.
Authorities said Cadwell had fled into the nearby woods but later emerged and returned to his home, where deputies arrested him without further incident.
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He was charged with second-degree murder, and prosecutors later confirmed that Cadwell admitted to the killing.
Cadwell’s Confession
During questioning, Cadwell told investigators that he regretted bringing a knife when confronting Brown about the $100 he believed was owed to him.
“He said he thought he had only hurt Brown, not killed him,” according to court documents.
The statement aligned with witness accounts suggesting the two men had known each other previously and that the dispute had been simmering for some time.
Prosecutors said that despite Cadwell’s apparent remorse, the act was intentional and violent, warranting a lengthy prison term.
The Court’s Decision
On October 24, Cadwell pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Beltrami County District Court. Under Minnesota law, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
Following the plea, the judge sentenced Cadwell to 25 years, with credit for time already served in custody.
Prosecutors described the plea agreement as a way to avoid a lengthy trial while still ensuring significant punishment for the senseless killing.
“This was an act of extreme anger and poor judgment that took a man’s life over a mere $100,” an official involved in the case stated. “We hope this brings some closure to Codi Brown’s family.”
Community Shocked by the Violence
Residents of Cass Lake expressed disbelief over the nature of the crime, calling it a tragic and unnecessary loss. Locals said Brown was well-known in the area and often seen riding his ATV through the neighborhood.
“He didn’t deserve to die over something so small,” one resident told reporters. “It’s heartbreaking.”
The case has reignited discussions in small Minnesota communities about how disputes escalate into deadly violence, especially when weapons are involved.
A Tragic Reminder
Brown’s death is a stark reminder of how impulsive confrontations can turn fatal. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of walking away from heated arguments and contacting authorities when disputes arise.
“No argument or debt is worth a life,” a spokesperson for the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office said. “This tragedy could have been prevented.”
As Cadwell begins serving his 25-year sentence, Brown’s family continues to mourn the loss of a loved one taken far too soon.
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