Waite Park Murder Verdict: Jarquez Bedford Found Guilty in Stearns County Trial

Jarquez Javon Bedford
Jarquez Javon Bedford

Waite Park, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—A Stearns County judge has convicted Jarquez Javon Bedford, 30, of first-degree murder in the 2023 killing of 52-year-old Andrea Rae Cottew following a bench trial earlier this month.

Authorities discovered Cottew’s body inside her Park Meadows Drive apartment on February 6, 2023, after responding to a welfare check. The investigation revealed that she had multiple lacerations on her neck, and a bloodstained kitchen knife was found at the scene.

Surveillance footage showed Bedford entering the building with Cottew on February 5. Later, he was seen using her key fob multiple times while Cottew was never seen again. DNA evidence linked Bedford to both the murder weapon and various items belonging to the victim.

Bedford fled Minnesota but was later arrested in Kansas on an outstanding robbery warrant. A grand jury indicted him on charges of:

  • Premeditated first-degree murder
  • First-degree murder while committing a felony
  • Second-degree intentional murder

The trial, which took place January 21-23, 2025, included forensic evidence, video footage, and testimonies from law enforcement and expert witnesses. Bedford took the stand in his own defense, but his statements conflicted with the evidence.

Judge Andrew R. Pearson ruled that the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Bedford intentionally killed Cottew with premeditation while committing a felony. The sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

🚨 Stay tuned for updates on Bedford’s sentencing.

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

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