Suspect in Myre-Big Island shooting posts bail Friday

Published 8:03 am Sunday, September 25, 2016

ALBERT LEA — The Brownsdale man charged with murder in last month’s fatal shooting at Myre-Big Island State Park posted bail Friday.David Michael Easter, 26, is charged with second-degree murder in the Aug. 23 shooting death of Spencer Daniel Brown, 23, of rural Freeborn County.

District Court Judge Steven Schwab on Wednesday reduced conditional bail for Easter to $100,000 because of Easter’s financial status, lack of criminal history and having never fled to avoid prosecution.

David Michael Easter, 26

David Michael Easter, 26

Authorities have stated Brown was found dead in a locked 2001 Audi station wagon the evening of Aug. 23 in a parking lot near the Big Island pavilion after dispatchers received a 911 call from Easter.

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Easter reportedly told dispatchers he had shot Brown in self-defense and claimed Brown approached him with what appeared to be a bat. Authorities stated last month that evidence does not show the shooting was in self-defense. Easter’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

Second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Pending no criminal record is found, Easter faces a presumptive sentence of more than 25 years in prison.

About Sam Wilmes

Sam Wilmes covers crime, courts and government for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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