Update:

Digi-Key Corporation provided a statement to Lakeland News regarding the homicide investigation near their Thief River Falls facility.

In the release, Digi-Key states Benitez-Estremera “has never worked at Digi-Key in any capacity, either directly or through a contractor. He also never sought, nor gained access into our facility.” They confirmed the victim to be a Digi-Key employee and say they are fully cooperating with law enforcement for the investigation.

The company expresses their condolences to the victim’s family and colleagues. Counseling is also being provided to Digi-Key employees who are affected by this incident.

Original Post:

A man was found dead at the Digi-Key Corporation in Thief River Falls yesterday, causing law enforcement to begin an investigation.

According to the Thief River Falls Police Department, on May 9 at about 10:12 p.m., law enforcement responded to a report of a dead male at Digi-Key in Thief River Falls. Upon arriving to the scene, officers learned that the victim died due to “homicidal violence.”

One person has been arrested in relation to the case. Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera, 32, is currently in custody at the Pennington County Jail on a second-degree intentional murder charge. The victim’s identify will not be released until the family is notified.

There is an ongoing investigation with the police department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The release states there is no threat to the public at this time. More information will be released when available.

By — Mary Balstad