Brooklyn Park man arrested on probable cause murder charges in death of half-brother in California

A 39-year-old man from Brooklyn Park has been arrested on probable cause murder charges in the death of his half-brother in California this past weekend.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office says 30-year-old Timothy Dalton Sweet, from Minneapolis, was found dead late Sunday night near Wages Creek in Westport, California.

At about 11:15 p.m. Sunday, the sheriff’s office was requested to conduct a welfare check in the 37000 block of North Highway 1 in Westport concerning a threatening text message sent by the 39-year-old to family members in the area. In addition, it was reported that Sweet had "wandered away" from the residence.

Based on the initial call for service, Mendocino County Mental Health was contacted, but it was determined to not be a mental health-related issue.

Then, at about 11:55 p.m., sheriff’s deputies were contacted by the 39-year-old who was claiming his half-brother (Sweet) was missing after allegedly traveling to the beach to collect "mussels." Deputies began to search the area along the beach near Wages Creek.

About one quarter mile south, Sweet’s body was located at the base of a rocky cliff and partially submerged in water. A cliff rescue assisted in extricating the body. At about 3:45 a.m., the recovery was completed and during a scene exam of Sweet’s body, it was discovered he appeared to die as a result of a homicide.

On Wednesday, an autopsy was conducted. Initial findings showed Sweet died as a result of a physical assault.

A search warrant was served at the 39-year-old in question’s residence on Monday. Soon after, he was arrested on probable cause murder charges. He is currently being held at the Mendocino County Jail where he has bail set for $500,000. KSTP does not identify suspects until they are officially charged.

KSTP will update this story with more details as they are learned. Be sure to refresh your page for the latest information.