Game Warden Charles Wetsel, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Game Warden Charles Wetsel

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Enforcement Division, Minnesota

End of Watch Friday, October 1, 1897

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Charles Wetsel

Game Warden Charles Wetsel was stabbed to death while investigating out of season fishing and hunting near Fosston.

He had discovered an Indian family netting fish and trapping muskrat off of their reservation. When he ordered them away from the lake the husband attacked him and stabbed him twelve times as the wife helped. Officer Wetsel shot and killed the husband, wife, and oldest child during the assault. The youngest child witnessed the incident and reported the murder.

Warden Wetsel's body wasn't located until one week after his murder.

Warden Wetsel was survived by his father.

Bio

Age 31
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Stabbed
Weapon Edged weapon; Knife
Offender Three shot and killed

poacher

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Warden Wetsel,
On today, the 125th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Minnesota.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 1, 2022