Dallas J. Graciano, a 17-year-old from rural Deer River, MN, tragically died on November 29, 2015, in Squaw Lake, MN. The incident occurred in a home on E. Natures Trail and was reported to authorities as an accidental shooting. Graciano was a senior at Deer River High School and played on the football team. He was described by the school superintendent as a hardworking young man who positively impacted those around him.
The suspect in the case is an 18-year-old friend and football teammate of Graciano. The two were reportedly very close, and the shooting was said to have occurred accidentally. The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, was initially taken into custody but was released on his own recognizance as the Itasca County Attorney's Office reviewed the case for possible charges.
The investigation revealed that the shooting happened late Saturday morning, and Graciano was pronounced dead at the scene when deputies arrived. The suspect was arrested but released from the Itasca County Jail on Tuesday following the incident. The case remains under review by the Itasca County Attorney's Office to determine if any charges will be filed.
