HASTINGS, Minn. — One year after a 74-year-old man was found dead in a roadside ditch in Hastings, Minnesota, investigators are releasing additional information and offering a reward in hopes of generating new leads in the unsolved case.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office announced that a reward of up to $1,000 is now available for information that leads to a conviction in the killing of William “Ike” Eickholt.
Timeline of the Case
Eickholt was discovered on Feb. 2, 2025, in a ditch near Ravenna Trail in Hastings, about five miles from his home in Denmark Township. Authorities say he died from a gunshot wound to the head.
According to investigators, Eickholt was last seen on Jan. 31, 2025, at a gas station in Hastings. Detective Cooper Valesano said Eickholt did not appear distressed or in danger during that encounter.
Vehicle Fires and Disturbing Evidence
Concern for Eickholt grew the following day, Feb. 1, when authorities responded to a report of vehicles on fire at his property. Investigators found two vehicles—both commonly used by Eickholt—engulfed in flames.
Deputy Shane Thorston, who responded to the fire, said he discovered four large pools of blood at the end of Eickholt’s driveway.
“That’s when I knew this wasn’t a minor injury,” Thorston said.
Officials later learned that Eickholt had been living out of one of the vehicles after his home was destroyed in a fire during the summer of 2024.
Location Raises More Questions
Eickholt’s body was found the next day along Ravenna Trail, an area detectives describe as heavily traveled throughout the day and night.
Detective Chad Schlichte noted that the location made the case especially unusual.
“This is not a remote area,” Schlichte said. “It’s very uncommon for something like this to happen here. Someone out there could have seen something.”
Family Remembers a Gentle Man
Family members described Eickholt as trusting, free-spirited, and kind—someone who avoided conflict and posed no threat to others.
“He was a human being; he had a family and friends; he had routines, interests and a life,” Valesano said. “The community deserves answers.”
Investigators believe someone may have seen Eickholt on the night he disappeared or may know how he ended up miles away from his driveway.
How to Share Information
Anyone with information related to William “Ike” Eickholt’s death is urged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 651-430-7850. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Minnesota.
Authorities say even small details could help move the investigation forward and finally bring answers to Eickholt’s family and the Hastings community.
