Buffalo man formally charged with father’s murder

Court records show a Buffalo man has been formally charged with second-degree murder after his father was found dead in Aitkin County.

According to a criminal complaint, authorities were called to an Aitkin County cabin on Wednesday, July 27 to check on a Wright County man who had been reported missing as part of a welfare check. The responding deputy was told the man, previously identified by the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office as Daniel Bzdok, 62, had been at the cabin with his son, 24-year-old Ronald Bzdok since July 22.

The complaint goes on to say Daniel Bzdok was reported missing on Tuesday, July 26, and the person reporting him missing — identified in the document as “Adam” due to security reasons — said Daniel would bring a .22 caliber handgun to the cabin and drove a Buick LeSabre.

When the responding deputy arrived at the cabin, he saw Daniel covered in blood in a chair through a window.

Law enforcement members swabbed a padlock that had been placed on the main door before removing it and entering the home, and found the elder Bdzok had been shot with what appeared to be a .22 caliber gun.

Agents also found a note in front of Daniel that indicated he suspected his son Robert, as well as his other son, had stolen from him and planned to turn them in and also get a restraining order.

According to the complaint, members of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) found a single empty .22 caliber casing next to Daniel Bdzok, and also found two live damaged .22 caliber shells on a bed and a loaded. 22 caliber rifle in a case. However, they noted the ammunition in the rifle was a different brand than the casing found on the kitchen floor.

Court documents say Adam eventually arrived at the cabin and told law enforcement Daniel had “many issues over the years with his two sons,” adding the last time he had spoken with Daniel was July 23, 2022.

Adam then told investigators Daniel never allowed Ronald to drive his vehicle or possess his firearm, and had concerns regarding Daniels’ wellbeing, so he drove to the cabin on July 26. He then left after not seeing any cars at the cabin and seeing the padlock on the main door but became more concerned after Daniel’s phone kept going to voicemail.

Documents state Ronald Bzdok was arrested on July 23 in Wright County while he was driving Daniel’s vehicle and possessing the same kind of gun Daniel typically had with him at the cabin.

According to the complaint, authorities searched Ronald’s belongings and found items belonging to Daniel, including a credit card and multiple keys.

If convicted, Bzdok faces a sentence of no less than three years, or more than 40 years, in prison.

His next court hearing is scheduled for the morning of Aug. 22. He is being held on a cash bond with conditions for $500,000 or $1 million without conditions.