Beltrami County Attorney David Hanson announced that Darren Lloyd Stebe pleaded guilty to first-degree murder today.
According to the release, Stebe initially was charged with second-degree murder, but a grand jury indictment last year secured the first-degree charge.
Stebe admitted that on Jan. 28, 2019, he lured one of the victims, identified in court documents as “J.M.” to his home with the intent to rob him.
Another victim, identified as “A.T.,” had accompanied J.M. to Bemidji.
Stebe admitted to shooting both men after J.M. refused to hand over money.
After killing both victims, Stebe burned both of their bodies in his backyard fire pit.
Stebe’s girlfriend at the time, Kristi Trisco, as well as an associate, Daniel Linde, had previously entered guilty pleas for their involvement in the murders and the attempted coverup.
Stebe is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 6, at 9 a.m.
Kristi Trisco, 34, Bemidji. Photo courtesy of Beltrami County Jail.
Daniel Linde, 57, Cass Lake. Photo courtesy of Beltrami County Jail.
