Mental Health, The Justice System, and Crime: A Mother’s Struggle

Mental Health, The System & Crime: One Mother's Story BAGLEY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) Earlier this month we told you about a man charged with stealing a police car in Bagley, Minnesota. His mother tells TRF News that she tried to get him help for mental health issues over and over, before the crime happened.

Judge Orders Second Mental Health Evaluation for Thief River Falls Murder Defendant

Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera

Thief River Falls, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Judge Tamara Yon has granted a state motion for a second mental health evaluation of Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera, 33, who is facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder and second-degree murder. Benitez-Estremera is accused of intentionally killing 61-year-old Steven Opdahl on May 9, 2023, outside DigiKey in Thief River Falls.… Continue reading Judge Orders Second Mental Health Evaluation for Thief River Falls Murder Defendant

“Voices Told Me to Kill Him”: St. Paul Man Charged with Murdering Priest

Nathan Wondra

ST. PAUL, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A St. Paul man, Nathan Wondra, 32, has been charged with second-degree murder after reportedly strangling a 76-year-old priest, Lawrence Johnson, along Interstate 94. Wondra called 911 around 12:40 p.m. Thursday, claiming he was having a psychotic break and had “choked out” Johnson, who was taking him to Regions Hospital… Continue reading “Voices Told Me to Kill Him”: St. Paul Man Charged with Murdering Priest

Moorhead Man Accused of Killing Mother Waits Nearly a Year for Mental Health Treatment

James Diawo Kollie

MOORHEAD, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A Moorhead man accused of killing his mother has waited in jail for almost a year for treatment at a state mental health facility so his ability to stand trial can be restored. And he isn’t alone. On Sept. 13, Clay County Judge Tammy Merkins determined James Diawo Kollie, 26, was… Continue reading Moorhead Man Accused of Killing Mother Waits Nearly a Year for Mental Health Treatment

Accused of Illegally Taking $116,000 from Elderly Woman with Diminishing Mental Health

Allegedly “Borrowed” $116,00 From Elderly Woman Suffering Declining Mental Health Issues GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) An arrest warrant has been issued for a Grand Forks man, after he allegedly “borrowed” over $116,000 from his elderly female landlord who was suffering from declining mental health issues.

UPDATE: Polk County Health Department Addresses COVID-19 Claims at Crookston’s Care & Share

UPDATE: Polk County Health Dept. Responds To Claims Of COVID-19 At Crookston's, Care & Share CROOKSTON, MN (trfnews.i234.me) The Polk County Health Department has responded to claims of COVID-19 exposure to people who used the food shelf at Crookston’s, “Care & Share” shelter.

LATEST UPDATE: Sunday Night Stabbing Incident and Mental Health Response in Grand Forks

UPDATE: Report Of Sunday Night Stabbing & Mental Health Call In Grand Forks GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) We have an update regarding a report of a possible stabbing and a separate mental health call in Grand Forks Sunday night.

🚨 Pantsless Man Strolls Through Grand Forks, Undergoes Mental Health Evaluation

GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – A peculiar incident caught the attention of Grand Forks residents on Sunday morning. A man was seen walking down the 1700 block of South 17th Street, behind Grand City’s Mall, wearing only shorts that were pulled down. A photo of the scene was submitted by a TRF News viewer, sparking… Continue reading 🚨 Pantsless Man Strolls Through Grand Forks, Undergoes Mental Health Evaluation

Disturbing Case of Mental Health Struggles in Bemidji

Frightening Example Of A Mental Health Issue In Bemidji BEMIIDJI, MN (trfnews.i234.me) Police on an almost daily basis deal with mental health issues in towns across our region. Here’s an example of a frightening one in Bemidji.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO UPDATE: Bemidji Police Statement, Subject Pepperballed, Mental Health Evaluation

BEMIDJI, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – We have an update from Bemidji Police regarding a subject who was pepperballed Thursday night. The male subject was apparently suffering a mental health episode. On July 11th, at 8:45 p.m., Bemidji police responded to a welfare check at a residence on 21st Street Northwest. Officers learned that a 35-year-old male… Continue reading EXCLUSIVE VIDEO UPDATE: Bemidji Police Statement, Subject Pepperballed, Mental Health Evaluation

Bemidji Police Use Pepper Balls to Subdue Knife-Wielding Man in Mental Health Crisis

BEMIDJI, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – We have an update from Bemidji Police regarding a subject who was pepperballed Thursday night. The male subject was apparently suffering a mental health episode. On July 11th, at 8:45 p.m., Bemidji police responded to a welfare check at a residence on 21st Street Northwest. Officers learned that a 35-year-old male… Continue reading Bemidji Police Use Pepper Balls to Subdue Knife-Wielding Man in Mental Health Crisis

The Surgeon General Declares Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis

WASHINGTON D.C. (trfnews.i234.me) – The U.S. Surgeon General has declared gun violence a public health crisis, citing the rapidly increasing number of injuries and deaths involving firearms. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the nation’s top doctor, has called for several measures to address the crisis, including: Banning automatic rifles Introducing universal background checks for gun purchases Regulating… Continue reading The Surgeon General Declares Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis

Health & Wellness Expo Happening Now at Town Square in Downtown Grand Forks

GRAND FORKS, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – Altru and other organizations are hosting the Live Grand Health and Wellness Expo at Town Square in Downtown Grand Forks today, running until 3:00 p.m. This is the third year of the Live Grand Health and Wellness Expo, and the first time it’s being held at Town Square, having grown… Continue reading Health & Wellness Expo Happening Now at Town Square in Downtown Grand Forks

Minnesota Health Department Hosts Meetings on Drinking Water Safety

ST. PAUL, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – This week, the Minnesota State Health Department is holding public meetings in southeast Minnesota to inform private well owners about efforts to address concerns regarding nitrates in drinking water, which can cause the potentially fatal blue baby syndrome. Tanny Eisenhower from the Department stated that community water systems undergo regular… Continue reading Minnesota Health Department Hosts Meetings on Drinking Water Safety

Heavy Police Response to Mental Health Crisis in Drayton, North Dakota

DRAYTON, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – Drayton, North Dakota, found itself at the center of a tense situation this Sunday evening as a significant police presence descended upon the town. Located approximately 40 miles north of Grand Forks along Interstate 29, the community was rattled by the unfolding events. Reports streamed in about a concentrated law enforcement… Continue reading Heavy Police Response to Mental Health Crisis in Drayton, North Dakota

University of Minnesota Study Delves into Loneliness Epidemic’s Health Implications

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – As the loneliness epidemic continues to grip society, researchers at the University of Minnesota are delving into its causes and potential health ramifications. Associate Professor Carrie Henning Smith, leading the study, sheds light on the alarming link between prolonged loneliness and a myriad of negative health outcomes. Despite its prevalence, prolonged… Continue reading University of Minnesota Study Delves into Loneliness Epidemic’s Health Implications

Mental Health Emergency Leads to Dramatic Water Rescue in Moose Lake

MOOSE LAKE, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A distress call reporting a man exhibiting erratic behavior triggered a dramatic water rescue operation in Moose Lake Township. According to authorities, the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a 32-year-old man in a mental health crisis along the bike trail. Deputies, along with the Minnesota DNR, rushed to… Continue reading Mental Health Emergency Leads to Dramatic Water Rescue in Moose Lake