St. Louis County (trfnews.i234.me) — Tyler Walter Edwards, 25, of Duluth, has been charged with second-degree murder and first-degree arson in connection to the July 2024 death of Maxton Keith Gudowski. Authorities allege that Edwards stabbed Gudowski over 30 times before setting his body on fire using accelerants, including Pine-Sol and alcohol.
On July 25, 2024, around 2:28 a.m., Duluth police and fire crews responded to a fire at 601 N. 47th Ave. E., a large home subdivided into multiple rental units. Firefighters discovered Gudowski’s body lying on his back in the living room, with blood pooling around his head. An autopsy revealed that Gudowski had suffered over 30 stab wounds to the neck, including injuries to major vessels and the larynx, as well as defensive wounds to his hands. There were no signs of smoke inhalation, indicating he was already dead when the fire began.
Investigators found that Pine-Sol had been poured over Gudowski’s head and neck, and an accelerant-soaked electric blanket had been placed over his body and set ablaze. The fire burned intensely but was contained to the unit due to closed doors and windows.
Surveillance footage showed Edwards purchasing 20 mini bottles of 99 Fruit Punch liquor the night before the fire and walking toward the apartment. A pair of distinctive white-framed sunglasses, similar to those Edwards was seen wearing in earlier footage, were found under the victim’s body. DNA testing linked Edwards to the crime scene, with his DNA found on the victim’s hand and fingernails, and the victim’s DNA found on a stain and pocket area of Edwards’ shorts.
Edwards was located later that afternoon near a public restroom along the Lakewalk and initially gave officers a false name. After police challenged the alias, he provided his real identity and was arrested on an outstanding warrant from an unrelated first-degree criminal sexual conduct case in Hennepin County.
Edwards remains in custody at the St. Louis County Jail, with bail set at $1 million. If convicted of second-degree murder, he faces up to 40 years in prison.
Did you know?
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Pine-Sol, a common household cleaner, is flammable and can be used as an accelerant in fires.
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The use of accelerants like alcohol and cleaning products can intensify fires, making them more dangerous and destructive.
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In Minnesota, second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, while first-degree arson can result in up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.
