Hearing Continues For Man Driving Victim’s Car In Beheading Case

Triston M. Corwin

The hearing continues for a Grand Rapids man who reportedly led police on a high-speed pursuit with a suspect involved in the beheading case of a 20-year-old Hibbing man.

Triston Michael Corwin appeared in Itasca County District Court Wednesday in connection with five charges – three felony counts of theft of a motor vehicle, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, and two misdemeanor counts of driving while impaired and fleeing a peace officer on foot.

The charges stem from Corwin operating a motor vehicle previously owned by alleged murder victim David Haiman on June 25.

According to a complaint, Corwin fled from a Deer River police officer who attempted to stop the vehicle he was driving at around 11:56 p.m. June 25, hitting speeds upward of 90 mph before crashing into a ditch.

The complaint states the vehicle had an obstructed license plate and the passenger, Joseph Christen Thoresen, was not wearing his seatbelt.

Upon hitting the ditch, both doors flew open and both front seat occupants exited. The driver, Corwin, ran into the woods. Police arrested Thereon and located Corwin later at a nearby residence.

Authorities said Corwin reported that he had been held at knifepoint by Thoresen and ordered to “keep going and not stop.” He allegedly told police that Thoresen admitted to killing the vehicle’s owner days earlier. Officers, however, found no knife on Thoresen’s person or in the vehicle, and he was released at that time.

Investigators said it was not until Sunday that they learned Haiman was reported missing and were able to verify that the vehicle was his.

In a follow-up interview, authorities said Corwin provided additional details of the account that was given to him by Thoresen. Police said he also admitted to burning a blood-stained bat that was brought to his house by Thoresen.

Corwin’s case was scheduled for a continued omnibus hearing on November 21. He remains released on his own recognizance subject to drug and alcohol restrictions and spot checks pending his future court appearance.

Previous report: http://lptv.org/man-charged-with-murder-victim-beheaded-after-being-accused-of-rape/