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William Headbird, a resident of Cass Lake, has been sentenced to 234 months in prison for second-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Diego Gasca in July 2021. Headbird, 47, pleaded guilty to charges of ineligible possession of a firearm and second-degree murder.
The incident occurred on July 5, 2021, when the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a man being shot near Basswood Avenue and Fourth Street NW in Cass Lake. Responding deputies found Diego Gasca lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. Gasca was later pronounced dead at the Cass Lake Hospital.
Through their investigation, law enforcement discovered that a large gathering had taken place in Cass Lake, and witnesses identified Headbird as one of the individuals present. Witnesses reported that shortly after an altercation, a car pulled up at the intersection where Gasca was shot multiple times. After collecting DNA evidence, interviewing witnesses, and matching the vehicle to Headbird, it was determined that he was the shooter.
Headbird was arraigned on second-degree murder charges on July 5, 2022, and was sentenced to 234 months in prison. The successful prosecution of this case was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department.
The Cass County Attorney’s Office expressed gratitude to lead investigators Ryan Fisher and Special Agent Jake Hodapp for their persistence and dedication in the year-long investigation to identify the shooter.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible firearm ownership and the devastating consequences that can result from the misuse of firearms. The sentencing of William Headbird highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold individuals accountable for their actions and seek justice for the victims and their families..
