On June 5, 2025, at approximately 1:12 P.M., Waite Park Officers were dispatched to a car versus pedestrian accident on County Road 137 in the City of Waite Park, County of Stearns, State of Minnesota. Upon arrival, Investigator Wentland observed an elderly female lying facedown in the southbound lane of County Road 137. The female was G. M. L., and later fully identified. Investigator Wentland determined that G. M. L. Was not breathing and began life saving measures until Mayo Ambulance arrived.
G. M. L. Was later pronounced deceased. Investigator Wentland spoke with three female witnesses who arrived on scene immediately after the accident and all traveling in the same vehicle. They stated they observed the female face down in the road and a male attempting to pick her up. The male, who was later identified as Bill La, [DOB redacted], the defendant herein, told them to call 911. They all recognized the defendant and his Toyota van as he lived in the same neighborhood as them. They said the defendant told them he did not hit the female and that two other vehicles had struck her and he had to swerve to avoid being hit.
The driver said she did not see any other vehicles pass by them when they approached the accident and that she saw the van still rolling in the grass as they approached. Investigator Wentland observed a Toyota van in the field nearby with parts on the road that appeared to be from the van. The Toyota van was found to be registered to the defendant's wife. The defendant was seen walking away from the area and was approached by officers. The defendant said he was driving the Toyota van but that he had not been involved in a crash.
He said another vehicle struck the female and left the scene. In a Mirandized statement, the defendant provided this same information and also provided a description of the vehicle and a white male driver as the person who struck the female. He said he swerved to miss the vehicle as it came into his lane and he went into the field. He said he exited his vehicle to help the female. Officers spoke with additional witnesses who provided similar stories in that they recognized the defendant, he was telling people he did not strike the female, and the van they normally see him drive was still rolling in the grass.
Witnesses also said he was told by several people to stop touching her body. Officers spoke with a female who resides in the area. She said she had video footage of the accident from her Ring camera. Officer Kalis watched the video and observed G. M. L. Look both ways before crossing the road toward her mailbox. G. M. L. Began to walk faster and then paused briefly before back pedaling and was then struck by the Toyota van. The van continued to roll into the grass. An accident reconstruction was done by Trooper Newstrand.
