ROCHESTER, MN. (THECOUNT) — A man has died following a shooting in southeast Rochester Sunday night, and authorities have identified the suspect in custody. The victim has not yet been publicly named, but the suspect has been identified as Michael Milbrandt, 35, of Rochester, who is facing charges in connection with the deadly encounter, according to police.
Rochester police were called shortly after 9:30 p.m. Sunday to the 1200 block of Marion Road SE on reports of a shooting. Officers arriving at the scene located a man suffering from what was described by authorities as a life‑threatening gunshot wound. Emergency responders provided aid and the victim was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital, where he later died from his injuries, Rochester Police Communications Coordinator Amanda Grayson said.
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The identity of the deceased victim has not been released by police pending notification of family members. Investigators have withheld the victim’s name as they work to confirm next of kin and provide formal notice to relatives.
About five minutes after officers found the victim, police were alerted to a separate incident in the 2700 block of Marion Road SE involving a burglary in progress and a man armed with a firearm. Responding officers took the alleged intruder into custody without incident.
Investigators later connected the two incidents, determining that the man arrested in the burglary report was the same individual believed to be responsible for the earlier shooting. Grayson said that the suspect and the victim were related, and that the suspect was also known to residents of the home he reportedly entered.
According to records from the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center, Milbrandt was booked into the Olmsted County Jail shortly before 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Authorities said he is being held without bail ahead of his first court appearance, scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Public records indicate that Milbrandt serves as a Platoon Sergeant in the Minnesota Army National Guard. Police have not released additional details about his military service or whether that service is relevant to the shooting investigation.
Officials with the Rochester Police Department said Milbrandt was taken into custody in connection with both the shooting and the burglary at the 2700 block of Marion Road SE. Investigators have not disclosed whether the burglary and shooting were reported as separate incidents initially or if officers immediately linked the two calls upon arrival.
Rochester police have said that the shooting appears to have stemmed from a domestic or family‑related dispute, given the relationship between the suspect and the victim. However, authorities have not confirmed the exact nature of that relationship or what led up to the gunfire. Police said the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting remain under investigation, and they urged anyone with information to come forward.
Neighbors in the area where the victim was found described hearing gunfire Sunday night and seeing a heavy police presence shortly afterward. Some residents reported that they were asked to stay inside while officers worked in the immediate vicinity. The typically quiet residential neighborhood was on edge as law enforcement conducted interviews and processed the scene.
The Rochester Police Department said investigators are canvassing the area for additional witnesses, potential surveillance footage, and other evidence that may help clarify the sequence of events that led to the shooting. Authorities said they are examining all available video from the surrounding homes and businesses to piece together the moments before and after the incident.
Officials emphasized that at this time there is no indication of any ongoing threat to the public. Police said officers conducted thorough checks of the neighborhood and confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Residents were allowed to resume normal activity once police deemed the area secure.
Milbrandt’s arraignment is expected to take place Tuesday in Olmsted County court, where formal charges related to the shooting and burglary will be presented. Court officials said Milbrandt will be advised of his rights at the arraignment and will have the opportunity to enter a plea.
Police noted that additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues and more evidence is gathered. Authorities also confirmed that interviews with the victim’s family members are ongoing as part of the investigative process.
Rochester community leaders expressed sorrow over the fatal shooting and encouraged residents to support one another following the violent incident. Officials with the police department reiterated their commitment to transparency and said updates will be provided as appropriate.
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