Richard Anthony Balsimo, a 34-year-old father of three from Saint Paul, MN, was tragically killed on June 20, 2021. His remains were discovered dismembered in gallon totes at the bottom of Lake Superior on July 15, 2021, nearly a month after he was reported missing. Balsimo's death was ruled as 'homicidal violence' by the medical examiner, with a gunshot wound to the torso being the cause of death.
Jacob Johnson, the primary suspect, was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder
for the killing of Balsimo. Johnson, who was 36 years old at the time of his sentencing, shot Balsimo following a dispute while they were in a car. After the shooting, Johnson, with the help of an accomplice, dismembered Balsimo's body and disposed of the remains in Lake Superior. Johnson was sentenced to 40 years in prison, the maximum penalty due to the aggravating factors in the case.
Robert West, another individual involved in the crime, assisted Johnson in dismembering Balsimo's body and disposing of the evidence. West was convicted of being an accessory after the fact to murder and interference with a dead body. He received a 15-year prison sentence. Additionally, Tommi Hintz, who was also implicated in the case, pleaded guilty to aiding an offender after the fact. Hintz was sentenced to five years of probation.
The brutal nature of Balsimo's death and the subsequent dismemberment of his body shocked the community. The case highlighted the severity and cruelty of the crime, leading to significant prison sentences for those involved. Despite the convictions, Balsimo's family continues to seek justice and closure for their loss.
