St. Paul, Minnesota – Joseph Francis Sandoval II, aged 34, pleaded guilty on Friday to two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Jason Timothy Murphy and Jon Ross Wentz in October 2022. The incident occurred in a sober living house located in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood.

May 19, 2024

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Plea and Circumstances

Sandoval entered a Norgaard plea, a legal maneuver allowing the defendant to acknowledge responsibility despite being unable to provide a factual basis due to drug use or mental health impairment at the time, as stated by Ramsey County court officials.

According to the criminal complaint, St. Paul police responded to a distress call near East Lawson and Duluth Street. They encountered Sandoval leaving the house with blood on his clothes and cuts on his face and hands, exhibiting signs of drug use. Inside the residence, they discovered the bodies of Murphy and Wentz.

Gruesome Discovery and Witness Testimony

Both victims had sustained multiple stab wounds to the head and neck. Murphy, aged 40, was found in the basement, while Wentz, aged 56, was discovered in an upstairs bedroom. A witness, who encountered Sandoval blocking entry into the house, described finding Murphy’s body and escaping from Sandoval’s grip to seek help.

Police recovered a bloody knife and a hammer at the scene but found no one else inside the house.

Sandoval’s Statements and Criminal History

During interrogation, Sandoval claimed he had recently moved into the sober house and was unaware of the victims. He alleged that two big guys had caused his injuries, citing hallucinatory experiences and paranoia. Sandoval had a history of felony assault and burglary charges in Hennepin County, where he was previously deemed incompetent and civilly committed.

Response from Authorities

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi emphasized the challenges in addressing mental illness within the justice system. He called for legislative improvements to bridge the gap between mental health treatment and legal proceedings. Sandoval’s sentencing is scheduled for July 19, 2024.

Conclusion

The tragic events underscore the complexities of addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system. As legal proceedings continue, authorities are urged to prioritize reforms ensuring adequate treatment and supervision for individuals with profound mental illness. The families of Murphy and Wentz remain at the forefront of our sympathies during this difficult time.

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