Murder charge: Cass Lake man admits to strangling his brother

A 48-year-old Cass Lake man accused of strangling his brother to death Monday morning told police officers arriving at the scene "he's already dead," according to a murder charge filed Tuesday.

Arthur James Jones is charged in Beltrami County District Court with one count of 2nd-degree murder, without intent while committing felony domestic assault, in connection with the death of his brother, who authorities have not publicly identified.

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office said deputies and officers with the Leech Lake Police Department responded to a home in Ten Lakes Township around 4:30 a.m. Monday after receiving a 911 call regarding a domestic violence incident.

According to the criminal complaint, officers arrived on scene and found Jones holding his brother in a choke-hold.

Jones allegedly ignored multiple verbal commands to get off of the other man and still refused to release his hold when officers deployed a Taser.

According to the charge, Jones told officers "he's already dead" before he was physically removed by officers.

The victim was not breathing and did not have a pulse at the scene and, despite life-saving efforts, was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A preliminary autopsy confirmed the man suffered multiple hemorrhaging injuries, broken teeth and other trauma.

According to the complaint, one witness told police she went outside to investigate commotion when she saw Jones laying on the ground with his arm around the victim's neck.

She said the victim attempted to say something in a mumbled voice and when Jones refused to get off the victim, she ran and woke up another person sleeping inside the home.

The second witness called 911, according to the charge. She told police the victim was still alive when she went outside and "pleaded with her to help."

After his arrest, Jones allegedly "admitted that he choked" the victim, the charge states.

If you know anyone who is affected by domestic violence, you can find more information on services available here, via the Minnesota DPS. You can also call the Day One Crisis Hotline at 1-866-223-1111.