Police News Releases

On Tuesday June 28, 2016, Moorhead Fire and Police Departments responded to an active house fire at 1019 11 Avenue South.  A deceased female's body was recovered from inside the residence and sent to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine positive identification and cause of death.  The circumstances of the fire and victim’s death were immediately recognized as suspicious.  The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) mobile crime scene processing unit and State Fire Marshal were requested to assist local investigators with the investigation.

The identity of the victim is not being released at this time pending final confirmation through medical records by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office.  The Manner of Death is a homicide as a result of an assault prior to the fire.

The suspect, JUSTIN MARSHAL CRITT (38 years old from Audubon) is currently in custody in the Clay County Jail being held on a Cass County felony warrant for Robbery.  Critt was taken into police custody without incident.

Anyone that had contact with the suspect, Justin Critt, on Tuesday June 28, is asked to contact the Red River Regional Dispatch Center at 701.451.7660 to speak with the on-duty Moorhead Police supervisor.  Investigators are asking for the public's help with any information that may further assist this investigation and in locating a dark colored backpack that Justin Critt was reported to have in his possession on Tuesday.

The investigation is on-going with limited information that we can publicly comment on at this time.  The victim and suspect were known to each other and no additional arrests are anticipated.

Justin Marshal Critt

Moorhead Police Department

Lieutenant Tory Jacobson

218.299.5117