Merrifield, Minnesota — A Minnesota family dispute allegedly turned violent after a grandfather accused his teenage grandson of failing to complete a household chore, leading to a shooting that left the teen injured and multiple felony charges against the elderly man.
Authorities say the shocking incident unfolded on May 3 at a home in Merrifield, Minnesota, ending with family members fleeing to a nearby store for safety.
Teen Found with Birdshot Injuries
According to a criminal complaint, deputies with the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting at a residence before learning that the victims had escaped to a nearby Dollar General store.
When deputies arrived, they located a woman and her 18-year-old son, who reportedly had a “pattern of injuries” on his back consistent with birdshot wounds.
The woman identified the alleged shooter as her father, Jonathan Boyd Berg, 72.
Investigators say the situation may have escalated hours earlier when Berg allegedly became angry about the teenager not properly storing a fish house.
Family Argument Escalated Into Violence
According to police, family members told investigators that Berg had been “agitated and complaining” about the teen before the confrontation turned physical.
Authorities allege the grandfather and grandson argued verbally before Berg allegedly struck the teen in the mouth. The teen reportedly fought back by hitting his grandfather.
The complaint says Berg then allegedly threatened to shoot the teenager’s dog.
After the altercation, the teen left the home with his brother to go fishing while tensions inside the house continued to rise.
Alleged Threats Made Before Shooting
Investigators say the teen’s mother told deputies that Berg’s behavior became increasingly alarming later in the evening.
According to the complaint, Berg had reportedly been drinking heavily and consumed “two gallons of Windsor whiskey over the past few days.”
The mother also told police that roughly an hour before the shooting, Berg allegedly asked her, “[W]hen is your son coming home so I can shoot him[?]”
Authorities say the teen eventually returned home around 9 p.m. Shortly afterward, the mother heard a gunshot and breaking glass followed by her son screaming.
Mother Says Grandfather Threatened Her Too
The victim’s mother told investigators she then saw Berg allegedly sitting on a bed holding a smoking shotgun.
According to the complaint, she confronted him by asking, “[W]hy the f— did you shoot my kid?!”
Police say Berg allegedly responded, “[S]hut the f— up, I’ll shoot you too.”
Fearing for their lives, the woman and her injured son reportedly fled the home and drove to the Dollar General store, where authorities later located them.
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Multiple Charges Filed Against Suspect
Berg has since been charged with:
- Attempted murder
- Three counts of assault
- Reckless disregard
He is currently being held at the Crow Wing County Jail on either $750,000 bond without conditions or $300,000 bond with conditions.
Court records show his next scheduled hearing is set for May 14.
The disturbing case has sparked shock in the community, particularly because of the alleged violence occurring between close family members inside the home.
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