DETROIT LAKES, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Willis Charles McDonald, 31, of Frazee, Minnesota, is facing charges of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree murder following the fatal shooting of Arlan Ray Bergstrom Jr., 31, of Detroit Lakes. McDonald’s attorney, Blair W. Nelson, insists that the shooting was an act of self-defense, a claim made during a court hearing on August 19 in Becker County District Court.
The incident occurred in the early hours of August 10 at Acorn Lake Trailer Park. According to court records, McDonald was invited to the scene by a woman, B.V.A., after a day at the Becker County Fair. McDonald claims that Bergstrom attacked him without provocation, breaking his vehicle’s window and punching him. Fearing for his life, McDonald reached for a handgun and fired, killing Bergstrom.
McDonald was arrested at his home shortly after the incident. He posted $10,000 cash bail and was released under standard conditions. His next court appearance is set for October 14.