Pennington County, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A verdict has been reached in the 2023 DigiKey parking lot murder case. Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera, 34, of Thief River Falls, has been convicted of both first-degree premeditated and second-degree intentional murder in the brutal killing of 61-year-old Steven Opdahl.
Judge Tamara Yon found Benitez-Estremera guilty after reviewing stipulated evidence from both sides. No witnesses were called in the bifurcated trial‘s first phase. Surveillance footage revealed a sudden and violent attack, beginning with Benitez-Estremera knocking a cigarette from Opdahl’s hand and escalating to slamming his head into a car windshield, then bludgeoning him at least 11 times with a metal handicap parking sign.
An autopsy showed severe trauma, including a near-complete transection of the brainstem, spinal fractures, and pulmonary contusions. The men had no prior relationship.
Judge Yon emphasized the brutality and escalation of the attack, citing statements from Benitez-Estremera about needing to take Opdahl “out of the system” as evidence of premeditation.
The next phase will determine Benitez-Estremera’s mental state at the time of the crime.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.