54-year-old Corcoran Man Accused of Killing Roommate With Rifle

Dec 16

A man is charged with second-degree murder after authorities say he fatally shot another man inside a trailer in Corcoran.

Officers investigating the case found the suspect still inside the home and holding a loaded rifle, where he was taken into custody.

> Sign up for the MN CRIME newsletter

Steven Fredrick Endsley, 54, is charged in Hennepin County with second-degree murder with intent, not premeditated, in connection with the death of a man he lived with inside a trailer on Maple Hill Road. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement was first sent to the trailer on Wednesday, Dec. 10, for a welfare check after concerns were raised about the victim. Officers received no response at the door and left the area. They returned the following day and noted the scene appeared unchanged, with two vehicles still in the driveway covered in snow and no fresh tire tracks.

When officers attempted to enter the trailer, they were initially unable to open the door. After forcing entry, they discovered a piece of wood had been screwed into the door frame from the inside, preventing access. Inside a bedroom, officers reported a strong odor and found the victim lying face down on the floor, clearly deceased. The victim’s head had also been wrapped in plastic.

Endsley was located inside the trailer in a bathroom, wearing only underwear and holding a loaded rifle. He told officers that he lived at the trailer with the victim.

An autopsy later determined the victim died from three gunshot wounds to the back of the head. Two of the shots were fired at close range. Investigators recovered bullet fragments from the victim that had copper jacketing. The ammunition found in the rifle Endsley was holding also had a copper covering.

After being advised of his rights, Endsley told investigators he had been inside the trailer since Monday and had not left. He said no one else had come to the residence or left during that time, adding that he only leaves the trailer to obtain alcohol. Endsley told officers he did not remember committing the shooting but said it could not have been anyone else. He also admitted placing the victim on plastic and moving the body. When asked why he killed the victim, he declined to answer.

Endsley remains in custody. A judge ordered him held on $1,000,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 16.

> See more of our latest coverage

> Follow on X or YouTube for more

> Help make MN safer with real-time alerts, LIVE video, 24/7 Safety Agents & much more: Download Citizen now