Becker County, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Becker County, MN (trfnews.i234.me) -On May 18, 2024, a Becker County deputy responded to an assault report at a residence in Ponsford, Minnesota. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that William Lawrence Butcher II had struck an 11-year-old family member on the left side of the head. Additionally, Butcher had ignited a fire near the west side of the house and threatened to burn the residence down. The Carsonville Fire Department had extinguished the fire before the deputy’s arrival.
The fire originated from a large garbage pile close to the house, with flames reaching a level that required water to be splashed on the house to cool it. Butcher fled the scene on foot prior to the deputy’s arrival.
Deputy Bruce interviewed the 11-year-old, who reported that after returning from collecting porcupine quills with his aunt, Butcher became angry. Unprovoked, Butcher entered the boy’s room and struck him on the head, causing the boy’s vision to blur and leading him to fall to his knees.
A White Earth police officer also responded and interviewed three individuals at the residence. All reported hearing the boy scream, followed by Butcher’s threats to burn the house down. The boy was subsequently taken to the emergency room for evaluation. Butcher was not located at the scene but was later arrested on a probation violation warrant related to another matter.
On November 25, 2024, Butcher agreed to plead guilty to a gross misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $3,000 fine. The felony charge is set to be dismissed at sentencing.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me