Duluth County Horror: Man Charged in Brutal Murder and Arson Case

Duluth, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — In a chilling development, 25-year-old Tyler Walter Edwards has been formally charged with second-degree intentional murder, first-degree arson, and providing a false name to police in connection with the death of Maxton Keith Gudowski, also 25. The incident occurred on July 25, 2024, when Gudowski’s body was discovered in his apartment at 601 N. 47th Avenue East in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood following a fire.

According to the criminal complaint, Gudowski suffered over 30 stab wounds to the neck before his body was doused with a pine-scented household cleaning product and another accelerant, then set ablaze. The fire, which ignited an electric blanket covering most of his body, spread to the carpet and furniture but eventually extinguished due to closed doors and windows. The medical examiner confirmed that Gudowski died before the fire was set, with no evidence of smoke inhalation or elevated carbon monoxide levels.

Investigators linked Edwards to the crime through DNA and fingerprints found on an empty bottle of cleaning product in the apartment, as well as surveillance footage showing him purchasing flammable liquor and entering Lake Superior fully clothed hours after the fire. Edwards initially provided a false identity to police but later revealed his true name. He has been in custody since March 21, 2025, on unrelated charges and is expected to be arraigned in State District Court this week.

Did you know?

• Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood, known for its historic homes and proximity to Lake Superior, has a relatively low crime rate, making this incident particularly shocking to residents.

• The use of household cleaning products as accelerants in arson cases is uncommon but can be highly effective due to their flammable components.​

• Providing false information to law enforcement is a criminal offense that can complicate investigations and lead to additional charges, as seen in this case.​

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News