In the early morning hours of July 5, 2021, the life of 34-year-old Diego Gasca, a Hispanic male, was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Gasca was attending a house party when he became involved in a verbal altercation. Shortly after the dispute, at approximately 2:45 a.m., gunfire erupted from a passing vehicle. Gasca was struck by a bullet in the chest while standing in the yard of the residence. He was quickly transported to the Cass Lake Indian Services Hospital, but his injuries proved fatal, and he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
For nearly a year, the case remained under investigation by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. A significant breakthrough occurred when a witness came forward in April 2022, identifying the shooter. This led investigators to 46-year-old William Joseph Headbird of Cass Lake. Law enforcement determined that the vehicle from which the shots were fired belonged to Headbird. Further investigation revealed Headbird's car, partially dismantled and concealed with debris on a property belonging to a former relation. Forensic evidence, including Headbird's fingerprints and DNA, was discovered in the vehicle.
On July 1, 2022, authorities arrested William Joseph Headbird in connection with Gasca's murder. Headbird was charged with second-degree murder and illegal possession of a weapon. Initially, he denied his involvement in the shooting but acknowledged that the situation did not look favorable for him. In May 2023, Headbird pleaded guilty to the charges. As a result of a plea agreement, he was sentenced to 19 and a half years in prison for the murder of Diego Gasca.
