Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera Waives Jury Trial in Thief River Falls Murder Case

Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera
Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera

Thief River Falls, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—A Thief River Falls man accused of first-degree premeditated murder has waived his right to a jury trial in favor of a stipulated evidence trial, where a judge will determine the verdict based on agreed-upon facts and legal arguments.

Case Background

  • Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera, 34, is charged with:
    • First-degree premeditated murder
    • Second-degree intentional murder (not premeditated)
  • The incident took place on May 9, 2023, at Digi-Key Electronics in Thief River Falls.
  • Victim: Steven Opdahl of Oklee, MN
  • Security footage showed Benitez-Estremera approaching Opdahl, initiating a verbal altercation, then proceeding to strike him multiple times despite Opdahl never retaliating.
  • Benitez-Estremera allegedly chased Opdahl down, knocked him over with a signpost, and continued attacking him while he lay motionless.
  • A female companion later exited the building, got into Benitez-Estremera’s vehicle, and they left the scene.

Alleged Confession & Legal Challenges

  • Benitez-Estremera later admitted to the assault, claiming Opdahl was “contaminated” and needed to be “taken out of the system”—though the two had no known prior relationship.
  • His mental health and cognitive status were evaluated following his arrest, delaying court proceedings.
  • The defense sought to suppress Benitez-Estremera’s initial interview, but after a months-long legal battle, the motion was denied by Judge Tamara Lynn Yon.
  • Additional motions remain unresolved, including:
    • A request to exclude evidence of his alleged flight from the scene, which the prosecution argues demonstrates consciousness of guilt.
    • A motion for a change of venue due to potential pretrial publicity bias.

Next Steps in the Case

  • Benitez-Estremera’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 26 at 2 p.m.
  • If convicted, he faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.

More updates will be provided as the case proceeds.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me

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