– Gordon Laakso
NEW RICHMOND – A 70-year-old man whose wife was found dead in Polk County is scheduled to appear in court next week for his preliminary hearing. Gordon Laakso is charged with homicide after the New Richmond Police Department responded to a possible domestic disturbance/welfare check. According to details in the criminal complaint, authorities asked Gordon if the victim, 68-year-old Mary Laakso, left the home or if she was still inside. Gordon then asked, “Oh you didn’t find her?” Authorities then asked why he said that. Gordon then said, “She’s dead.” Gordon said that she was for sure beyond help and that the incident happened that day. Gordon said he couldn’t tell authorities where she was but said the victim was not in the house. Gordon later said that he should have brought the victim to the hospital, but he just panicked. Gordon said that the victim ended up at the edge of a cornfield. The victim was found dead in Polk County, just east of 1499 10th Avenue. Gordon was taken to the St. Croix County Jail. He next court appearance is slated for March 17, at 1:30 p.m.
