Goodhue County officials have identified the man who died during an attempted warrant service in Pine Island as William Wayne Prigge. An autopsy conducted by the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Prigge’s death was a suicide, county authorities said. Deputies were at a home to serve arrest and search warrants when they heard a single gunshot, then later found Prigge dead inside the residence.
According to a news release from the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office, deputies initially made contact with Prigge outside the home. He then retreated inside, and shortly afterward, deputies heard the gunshot. No law enforcement officers fired their weapons. Deputies went into the house and located Prigge deceased. The sheriff’s office identified the scene as being in the 400 block of 6th Street NW in Pine Island, as reported by WJON.
Juvenile sex-assault probe
The warrants were connected to a sexual assault investigation involving a juvenile that county investigators opened on April 6, according to the sheriff’s office. Detectives executed an initial search warrant at Prigge’s home on April 17. After developing additional leads, investigators obtained an arrest warrant listing first and second-degree criminal sexual conduct, along with a second search warrant, as reported by KROC-AM. The sheriff’s news release also states that Prigge declined to speak with investigators.
What the charges mean
Authorities have emphasized that the warrant sought first and second-degree criminal sexual conduct, which are among the most serious felony sex offenses under Minnesota law. The elements of those crimes and their potential penalties, including maximum prison terms and presumptive sentencing guidelines, are outlined in Minnesota Statutes sections 609.342 and 609.343, available from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Officials also note that the warrants reflect allegations only and that any formal charges would have to be filed in court and proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Investigation and public safety
The Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office has said there is no ongoing threat to the public stemming from the incident, and no one else was injured. The case remains under investigation, and authorities are asking anyone with relevant information to contact the sheriff’s office. Local news outlets have relayed details from the county’s release, according to Bring Me The News. Officials said the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office handled the autopsy.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available from RAINN. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
