BLAINE, Minn. – (July 27, 2016) – Joseph Theodorus Effertz, 61, is facing 40 years in prison after being charged with murder. The Blaine man called police on July 22 to report that he shot his son Joshua. Joseph told police that his 38 year old son came into his room looking for a video tape. He didn’t know what tape he was looking for, but said he thought his son was on some type of drug, and that he was afraid of him.
Even though Joshua did not act aggressively, Joseph took a loaded gun out from underneath a nearby blanket, and aimed it at him. As Joshua turned to leave the room, Joseph told police that he shot until he couldn’t shoot anymore.
Police found Joshua in the street in front of the home, and he died an hour later.
Joseph Effertz has been charged with one count of second degree murder, and his bail has been set at $750,000.
