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Austin, MN (KROC-AM News) - A second man is headed to prison for his involvement in a drug-related robbery that led to the murder of an Austin man.

22-year-old Keith Forest earlier admitted to aiding and abetting second-degree murder
through a plea deal that led to the dismissal of a first-degree robbery charge. He was sentenced today to 10 years in prison with credit for the 562 days he already spent in jail since his arrest.

The Sioux Falls, South Dakota man was accused of accompanying 20-year-old Miquel Nunez to a home in Austin in the early morning hours of June 5, 2021, to steal marijuana from the homeowner. Forrest was not allowed to enter the house, but Nunez went inside and threatened to shoot everyone in the house if they didn't comply with his demand to hand over the drugs in their possession.

Minnesota Dept. Corrections photo
Minnesota Dept. Corrections photo
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A witness told investigators that the homeowner, 45-year-old David Harris, was alerted to the robbery and emerged from a bedroom holding a handgun. The witness stated Nunez responded by fatally shooting Harris, who was able to shoot back and wounded Nunez. The criminal complaint says Nunez then dropped his gun and fled from the home.

Prison cells in big jail and security guard.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
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Forrest told police he returned to his vehicle when he heard the gunshots and drove away once Nunez jumped into the Jeep. The two men then drove to Sioux Falls, where Nunez was arrested 3 days after the murder. He is now serving a 15-year prison sentence.

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