ST. PAUL -- In consultation with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Stearns County Sheriff's Office, the Stearns County Attorney's Office has determined that at this time there is not sufficient documented evidence to continue to hold Ryan Larson in the shooting death of Cold Spring Police Officer Tom Decker. Mr. Larson was released from custody today pending further investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Stearns County Sheriff's Office.
"Our agencies have reviewed the investigative data collected thus far and must act within the time allotted by law, within the constraints of the law, and based upon the facts known at this time," said Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall.
The investigation into the murder of Officer Decker is active and ongoing. Investigators from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Stearns County Sheriff's Office and many assisting agencies will continue to exhaustively pursue all leads.
"Investigators will not rest until we fully determine what happened the night of Officer Decker's death and bring to account those responsible," said Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Assistant Superintendent Drew Evans.
Anyone with information regarding this crime or the whereabouts of the 20 gauge shotgun believed to be the murder weapon is urged to contact the Stearns County Sheriff's Office at 320-251-4240.
