On June 23, 2017, 58-year-old Thomas Edward Luetzow was fatally shot at the Public Mini Storage facility on Hedberg Drive in Minnetonka, Minnesota. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner determined that Luetzow died from a gunshot wound to the head and neck, ruling his death a homicide.
The incident began as a dispute between Luetzow and 65-year-old James LaCount. According to LaCount, the altercation escalated when Luetzow attacked him, causing LaCount to fear for his life.
LaCount reported that Luetzow knocked him to the ground and was attempting to gouge out his eye, prompting LaCount to shoot Luetzow in self-defense.
Following the shooting, LaCount was arrested at the scene but was released shortly thereafter, pending further investigation. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office later declined to file charges against LaCount, concluding that the evidence supported his claim of self-defense. Authorities noted that Luetzow had a history of assault and disorderly conduct, including previous incidents where he had assaulted neighbors over noise complaints.
The case was officially closed with no charges filed against LaCount, as law enforcement and prosecutors determined that his actions were justified under the circumstances. This decision was based on witness statements, physical evidence, and Luetzow's documented history of aggressive behavior.
