Update: Man Arrested on Suspicion of Murder in Crow Wing Co. Missing Person’s Case

Michael Laflex (Credit: Crow Wing County Jail)

Updated: A missing person’s case in Crow Wing County has now led to a murder investigation.

23-year-old Bryce Brogle of Center Township was reported missing on Oct. 26 by his girlfriend to the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Brogle was last seen leaving a residence in Center Township, located northeast of Brainerd.

The criminal complaint in the case states Brogle is believed to have gone missing after going to a storage unit in Crow Wing County that was owned by the suspect, Michael Laflex, who was last seen with Brogle.

After further investigation, law enforcement discovered a body that was later confirmed to be Brogle’s. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be a gunshot wound to the back of the head.

Laflex is currently in custody at the Crow Wing County Jail pending a charge of second-degree murder. His first court appearance will be Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m.

Original story:

According to the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office, on October 28th, the office received a missing persons report of 23-year-old Bryce Brogle. Brogle was last seen leaving a residence northeast of Brainerd in Center Township on October 26th and had reportedly gone missing after going to a storage unit rented by Michael Laflex in Crow Wing County.

A body has been recovered and is believed to be Brogle. Currently, the body has been transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, as a result of this investigation on October 29th, Laflex was arrested under the suspicion of 2nd degree murder and is currently being held in Crow Wing Jail. The case has been referred to the Crow Wing County Attorney’s Office for charges.

The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Crow Wing County Drone Team.

Editor’s note: this story was updated on 10/31/22 with new details from the criminal complaint.