Updated: 07/08/2009 12:04 PM KSTP.com | Print Story
By: Nicole Muehlhausen, Web Producer

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Mother Only Suspect in S. St. Paul Child's Murder

Police say the mother of a 10-year-old boy found dead in his home Monday night is the only suspect in the child's homicide.

Police were called to the 700 block of First Ave. S. in South St. Paul around 5:30 p.m. Monday. The initial call came in as a medical call, but as soon as police arrived they realized they were dealing with a homicide.

Officials say Michael Vonheath Becht Jr., 10, was found dead on the scene. His sister Ericka Freeman, 11, and mother, Patricia Becht, 42, were also injured.

Investigators say the 11-year-old was taken to Children's Hospital in St. Paul, where she was in intensive care Monday night. Becht was being treated at United Hospital. Both are expected to survive.

Police have not revealed a motive or how the child was killed. It also remains unknown how his sister and mother were injured.

Neighbors tell 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Becht's son was autistic.

A memorial has been growing outside the home after the incident. Candles, flowers, and stuffed animals lay in front of the property where the homicide took place.

There has not been a homicide in South St. Paul since 2002.


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