In the quiet, tight-knit community of Lake Benton, Minnesota, a tragedy unfolded that left residents in shock. On the afternoon of January 4, 2024, emergency services received a medical call from a residence on South Center Street. Responders arrived to a grim scene where they found 81-year-old Sandra Wilson Goertz deceased. Her husband, 80-year-old Irwin Edward Goertz, was discovered critically injured.
Sandra, a female resident of the small town, had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite the efforts of first responders, her injuries were fatal. Irwin Goertz was transported to a nearby hospital in Tyler, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A firearm was recovered from the home.
The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office conducted autopsies and officially ruled Sandra's death a homicide. The cause of her husband's death was determined to be a single gunshot wound, and his death was ruled a suicide. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, began an investigation into the circumstances that led to the murder-suicide.
Authorities have indicated that the incident was isolated and posed no further threat to the community of Lake Benton. The investigation continues as officials seek to understand the events that culminated in the tragic deaths of the elderly couple. The suspect in Sandra Wilson Goertz's death was identified as her husband, Irwin, and there have been no other arrests in connection with the case.
