James Weyaus Obituary, Death – The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office has released the identity of the man who died during a law enforcement use-of-force incident that took place on November 16 in Turtle Lake Township. The man has been identified as 37-year-old James Weyaus of Onigum. His death occurred during an encounter with Cass County deputies who had been responding to reports of gunfire in the area.
According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), the situation began shortly after 4:30 p.m. when deputies were dispatched to a home in rural Walker following a call indicating that shots had been fired. As deputies arrived in the area to investigate, two of them noticed a man walking by himself along County Road 13. The man was later confirmed to be Weyaus.
One of the deputies attempted to make verbal contact with him in an effort to assess the situation and determine whether he was connected to the earlier report. However, authorities say Weyaus suddenly fled on foot, prompting the deputy to pursue him. The chase quickly escalated when, during the pursuit, gunfire was exchanged between the deputy and Weyaus.
During this exchange, the deputy was struck by a bullet in the upper right leg. Despite the injury, the deputy’s partner continued to engage in the situation. The second deputy, upon seeing Weyaus and perceiving an ongoing threat, fired at him. Weyaus was struck and pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders were called for the wounded deputy, who was airlifted to a hospital in Fargo for treatment. Fortunately, authorities said he was released after receiving medical care and is now recovering.
As part of their preliminary investigation, BCA agents collected body camera footage from the deputies involved. These recordings will be reviewed to help reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. Investigators also recovered a 9mm handgun, a holster, and several shell casings from the scene—evidence that will be analyzed as part of the broader inquiry.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office contacted the BCA to take over the investigation, a standard procedure in officer-involved shootings to ensure an independent and thorough review. The BCA will examine all physical evidence, video footage, officer statements, and any other relevant information surrounding the incident. Their objective is to compile a complete account of what happened without offering recommendations about whether charges should be filed.
Once the investigation is complete, the results will be forwarded to the Cass County Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors will then evaluate the findings and determine whether any legal action is appropriate. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case and the details uncovered during the investigation.
The shooting has drawn attention in the region, particularly as law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize transparency and accountability in incidents involving the use of deadly force. Community members and officials alike are awaiting more information about the circumstances leading up to the confrontation, the initial shots-fired call, and Weyaus’s actions before and during the chase.
In the meantime, the BCA has stated that its goal is to conduct a detailed and impartial investigation. While many questions remain, authorities have underscored that the deputy who was injured is recovering, and the agency is committed to providing clarity once all facts have been thoroughly reviewed.
