ELK RIVER, Minn. — A 49-year-old man faces second-degree murder charges following a brutal confrontation that resulted in the death of his 70-year-old roommate. The altercation erupted over personal disputes, reportedly intensified by a series of insults exchanged between the two.
Authorities were alerted in the early hours of January 4 after a woman contacted police, expressing concern for her safety. Officers arrived at a residence on Fillmore Street, where they discovered the lifeless body of William Canty Jr. tucked beneath a pile of laundry in the bathroom. Evidence of violence was evident, displaying the aftermath of a severe struggle.
The accused, Brandon Rose, was found unconscious in a nearby bedroom. Officers reported that he appeared to have attempted suicide, with a needle still in his arm containing air and a substance known as methylene blue. First responders administered Narcan, reviving him before further medical intervention took place.
During phone calls with his girlfriend, Rose allegedly confessed to the killing and described his suicide attempt. He cited Canty’s mistreatment of his girlfriend, detailing derogatory comments and suggesting unwanted advances that he claimed had occurred. These exchanges painted a troubling picture of the dynamics between the two men.
Investigators gathered evidence that included stained clothing and hands belonging to Rose, as well as blue dye matching the methylene blue found at the scene. The chaotic scene included overturned furniture and a blood-stained shower curtain near Canty’s body, indicative of the violence that had unfolded.
Despite the incident, Rose’s girlfriend stated that she had not noticed any conflicts between the roommates when she stayed at the house days before the tragedy. She mentioned, however, that Rose had previously accused Canty of inappropriate behavior.
In interviews with police, Rose confirmed that a physical confrontation took place but offered scant details about the sequence of events. While he acknowledged Canty had entered his room, he remained vague about the specific interactions prior to the violence.
An autopsy on Canty revealed severe blunt force trauma. The medical examiner reported multiple broken ribs, a fractured collarbone, and head injuries consistent with a violent attack, underscoring the brutality of the incident.
Following his arrest, Rose was charged with second-degree murder and booked into Sherburne County Jail, where he is being held without bail. Authorities continue to investigate the case, gathering evidence and testimonies as they seek to shed light on the sequence of events leading to this tragic outcome.