Press Releases

Sibley County Grand Jury Indicts Man in September 20, 2022 murder of Dennis Weitzenkamp


Sibley County Attorney, Donald Lannoye, and Sheriff Patrick Nienaber announced that Travis Joel Bauer, age 46, of Winthrop, MN has been indicted by a Sibley County Grand Jury with First Degree Murder in connection with the death of Dennis Weitzenkamp on September 20, 2022. The facts and circumstances surrounding this incident are contained in the initial complaint filed on March 13, 2023 charging Bauer with Second Degree Murder. Bauer was arrested on the indictment on April 20, 2023. He is expected to have a bail hearing on April 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. 

Travis Joel Bauer charged with Second Degree Murder

The Sibley County Attorney’s Office has filed a formal complaint with the Sibley County District Court charging Travis Joel Bauer (DOB 07-29-1976) with second degree murder. This charge stems from the death of Dennis Duane Weitzenkamp on September 20, 2022 in rural Winthrop. A copy of the complaint detailing the allegations are attached to this press release. Second Degree Murder is the most serious murder charge that can be filed by formal complaint. Any crime carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment must be charged through a grand jury indictment.

Sibley County Attorney’s Office determines officers lawfully use deadly force during December 15, 2022 Incident


On December 15, 2022, three Hutchinson Police Officers used deadly force when responding to an incidence in the City of New Auburn. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigated the matter and referred the investigation, without recommendation, to the Sibley County Attorney’s Office. The Sibley County Attorney’s Office reviewed the extensive investigation and determined that the use of deadly force was lawful. The reasons for this determination are detailed in the attached letter.

Letter of Determination

  1. Letter Regarding Use of Force

Sibley County Attorney's Office Files First Degree Burglary Charges Against Rochester Man


On February 14, 2023, the Sibley County Attorney's Office filed a formal warrant complaint against Jesse Lee Nundahl, charging him with First Degree Burglary stemming from an incident that occured on February 13, 2023 in rural Henderson. It is alleged that Nundahl forcefully entered the attached garage of a home while a resident was home and stole a motor vehicle. Law enforcement was able to track the vehicle through an On-Star application to Mystic Lake Casino where the vehicle was recovered and Nundahl was arrested. Nundahl will be transported to Sibley County to answer the charges once he is made available from Scott County.  

Complaint

  1. Jesse Lee Nundahl 72-CR-23-41

02-03-2023 Keshaun Schelven Coatie appears for bail hearing


Keshaun Schelven Coatie appeared in Sibley County District Court on February 3, 2023 for a bail hearing on a charge of Attempted First Degree Murder from 11-02-2020. It is alleged that Mr. Coatie traveled from the Twin Cities during the late evening/early morning of November 1/November 2 2020 to a residence in the City of Winthrop and there shot a woman several times before leaving the scene. The court set unconditional bail at $1,000,000 cash or bond. In the alternative, the court set bail at $75,000 cash or $750,000 bond with conditions that include having no direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim. The defendant’s next court appearance is an omnibus hearing scheduled for 02-23-2023 at 11:00 a.m.

Complaint

  1. Keshaun Schelven Coatie 72-CR-21-117

01-31-2023 Sibley County Attorney’s Office charges two in connection with Thanksgiving Day Armed Robbery

The Sibley County Attorney’s Office has filed charges of Aggravated First Degree Robbery against Oscar Silvas-Gamez and Julio Burgara-Lara stemming from a Thanksgiving Day armed robbery investigation by the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office. Occupants at 20310 291st Avenue in Sibley County reported being held at gun point while numerous firearms, vehicles, and other pieces of personal property were stolen by several suspects. One of the alleged victims identified two of the suspects as Oscar Silvas-Gamez and Julio Burgara-Lara. The charges were filed on 01-25-2023 as complaint warrants.

Complaints regarding Thanksgiving Day Armed Robbery

  1. Oscar Silvas-Gamez 72-CR-23-19
  2. Julio Burgara-Lara 72-CR-23-20