Eighteen-year-old Antonio Parkhurst was arraigned today in Beltrami County Court before Judge John Melbye.
Unconditional bail was set at $200,000, and conditional bail was set at $100,000.
According to the criminal complaint, an adult female identified in court documents as “L.J.” told investigators that she conspired with a juvenile (identified as “J.B.”), an adult male (identified as “L.R”), and another adult female (“D.M.”) to lure Parkhurst to the residence on the 1100 block of Minnesota Ave. NW with the intent to rob him.
L.J. told investigators that L.R. and J.B. were hiding in a separate location on the property preparing to ambush Parkhurst.
L.R. and J.B. were reportedly wearing masks and rushed toward Parkhurst, who was alone in an upstairs bedroom.
Antonio Parkhurst, 18. Photo courtesy of the Beltrami County Jail.
Parkhurst told investigators that he responded to the assailants by firing two shots in their direction, in order to stop the assault and afford an opportunity to escape. He then said he ran down the stairs and fled through the alleyway. He said he was afraid and chose not to turn himself in.
Parkhurst said L.J. invited him Monday, Feb. 17, in the evening, and he arrived with a 9mm handgun and cash.
Parkhurst’s defense attorney, Jennifer Nelson, stated in court today that Parkhurst acted in self defense.
Parkhurst was charged with unintentional second degree murder and second degree assault causing substantial bodily harm.
Twenty-year-old Lupe Rosillo was identified in a press release earlier today as the victim of Monday night’s fatal shooting. The juvenile that was brought to the hospital Monday night for treatment of a gunshot wound was released from the hospital.
Parkhurst will make his next court appearance on March 3. The investigation is ongoing, according to the complaint.
