Deputy Sheriff Richard Kim Magnuson, Roseau County Sheriff's Department, Minnesota

Deputy Sheriff Richard Kim Magnuson

Roseau County Sheriff's Department, Minnesota

End of Watch Wednesday, August 2, 1978

Add to My Heroes

Richard Kim Magnuson

Deputy Magnuson was shot and killed while stopping a car that had run through the Canadian border crossing at the Roseau Port of Entry. The suspect had shot him ten times with a .22 caliber rifle. Unbeknownst to Deputy Magnuson the suspect had murdered three young people in Canada before fleeing into the United States. The man was arrested a few hours later.

The man, 20, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in Oak Park Heights Maximum Security Prison. In 1992 he was extradited to Canada. On January 16, 1997, he was convicted of second degree murder and manslaughter and sentenced to an indeterminate term. If released, he has to be sent back to a Minnesota prison.

Deputy Magnuson had been with the agency for only two months and was survived by his parents.

Bio

Age 20
Tour 2 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; .22 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 15 Reflections

I lived in Roseau in the 1970’s. I was in the service in 1978 when the coward murdered Deputy Magnusson. In high school I admired the Roseau County SO which was a fine department under the leadership of Sheriff Paul Knochemus and Chief Deputy Curt Hauger. I recall Officers Ron LaChance, Omer Espe, Big Bill Lundquist, Leroy Olson. Thank you for your service and supreme sacrifice Deputy Magnusson.

Rick Young, Corrections Agent, Retired
MNDOC Clay County

June 18, 2025