Charges Reveal New Info in Benton County Double-Shooting
Charging documents provide new details on the double-shooting Sunday afternoon on a farm in Benton County.
Ismael Vasquez Santos, 23, of Royalton, now faces two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree assault after allegedly gunning down two men northwest of Foley.
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Benton County deputies first responded to the incident at around 4:48 p.m. at a property on the 9900 block of 95th Avenue NE in Gilmanton Township.
Officers found an adult male lying on his back in the yard, with an abrasion and dried blood on the right side of his neck. The victim, who spoke Spanish, informed deputies that he had been shot by “Ismael” using a small firearm. He indicated the location of the injury by raising his hand in the shape of a gun and pointing it at the back of his head.
Deputies learned that another victim was at a nearby farm on the same road. Authorities located both Santos and the second victim at that location. The second victim was found sitting on a bench, clutching his stomach with a large blood stain on his clothing. Both victims were transported to St. Cloud Hospital, where X-rays revealed bullet fragments in one victim's neck and in the other victim’s stomach. They were both taken into surgery to remove the bullets.
Santos was arrested at the scene. Deputies noted a strong odor of alcohol and a breath test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.133. Alcohol was also found inside the barn where Santos had been staying.
A witness, the daughter of one of the victims, confirmed to authorities through a translation app that her father said Santos shot him.
Santos faces up to 20 years for each count of first-degree assault if convicted and he remains in custody as of publication. His next court appearance is scheduled in November.
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PREVIOUSLY: Suspect in Benton Co. Double-Shooting Identified
PREVIOUSLY: 2 Critically Injured, Suspect Arrested in Benton Co. Shooting