Man who 'already dug the hole' before killing daughter's boyfriend gets life in prison – WFTV

Laflex was found guilty by a Crow Wing County jury for the October 2022 death of Bryce Brogle, 23, according to the TV station.

During an investigation, the owner of Laflex and Brogle's daughter stated that the defendant had called him believing that his daughter had been physically assaulted by the victim. He asked if Brogle had hurt him, KVLY-TV reported. After the homeowner allegedly said the woman had two black eyes, Laflex allegedly said he was going to kill Brogle and had already dug the hole, according to the criminal complaint.

According to court records, the defendant's daughter said Brogle went to a rented warehouse with her father on October 26, 2022.

The Crow Wing County Prosecutor's Office said Brogle was reported missing two days later, the Brainard Dispatch reported.

A witness told the prosecutor's office that Laflex revealed he shot Brogle in the head at a storage unit complex in Mission Township, according to the newspaper. According to court documents, Laflex cleaned the unit and moved the body using a sled. Laflex then allegedly buried Brogle's body.

Law enforcement discovered Brogle's body on Oct. 30, 2022, the Dispatch reported. An autopsy performed by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death was a distant gunshot wound to the back of the head, according to the newspaper.

Laflex was initially charged with second-degree murder with intent but not premeditation, the Dispatch reported. On March 30, 2023, a grand jury indicted Laflex for first-degree murder, according to the newspaper.

Although he was convicted on both counts, Laflex was only convicted of first-degree murder, KVLY reported.

In addition to his life prison sentence, Laflex was ordered to pay $14,596.08 in restitution and court costs, according to the television station.