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Wabasha, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Zumbro Falls area man has been sentenced to 36 years in prison for murdering his father.

46-year-old James Riley previously entered into a plea agreement with Wabasha County prosecutors and admitted to a second-degree murder charge. A first-degree murder charge that was issued by the Wabasha County Grand Jury was dismissed through the plea deal.

Minnesota Dept. of Corrections photo
Minnesota Dept. of Corrections photo
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The criminal complaint in the case states that Riley admitted to investigators that he killed his father by striking him on the head with a hammer multiple times and stabbing him with a knife. The slaying occurred at the Riley family farm southeast of Zumbro Falls on March 5, 2021. The court record says Riley also admitted using a tractor to lift and carry the body of his 73-year-old father and place it in the trunk of a car on the farm.

Riley's mother called 911 after she discovered her husband's body when she noticed the car had been parked in a strange location and decided to open the trunk. She told investigators the father and son had a strained relationship and her son had spoken of a desire to kill his father.

Riley complaint-Wabasha County Court
Riley complaint-Wabasha County Court
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