Brooklyn Center man suspected of killing ex-wife dies

Krystal Frasier KSTP

Mugshot of Robert McCloud

Charges against a Brooklyn Center man who was accused of fatally shooting his ex-wife have been dropped after authorities say he died.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says charges of first- and second-degree murder have been dropped against Robert McCloud, who died at the age of 65.

Authorities have not specified how McCloud died.

According to court documents, prosecutors dismissed the charges in mid-April.

McCloud had been charged in connection to the death of 48-year-old Lauri Deatherage of Robbinsdale.

Authorities alleged McCloud shot Deatherage in the head. She was found dead in a home during a welfare check in June 2021.

A criminal complaint stated after finding Deatherage, officers learned McCloud had recently bought a gun and had been at the residence that day.

Officers then went to McCloud’s residence. They found a pistol, ammunition and a key labeled as belonging to Deatherage’s house, among other evidence.

Officers also discovered McCloud had recorded video statements about Deatherage remarrying and mailed them to family members.