Minnesota couple arrested after human remains found in tote near lake

MILLE LACS, Minn. (TCD) -- A couple faces charges in connection with the death of a man whose remains were found near a lake.

The Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office announced that on Tuesday, March 21, at approximately 1:48 p.m., deputies responded to the 14200 block of Twilight Road after maintenance workers located human remains inside a storage tote.

Investigators believe the victim, identified as Rodney Pendegayosh Jr., had been shot in the chest and throat before his remains were placed inside the storage bin, according to the Union-Times.

Inside the tote, officials reportedly found Pendegayosh’s severed foot and further evidence that led them to an apartment.

During a search of the apartment, authorities found bloodstained carpet in trash bags that had been removed from the floor, the Union-Times reports.

Investigators also reportedly found the victim’s identification card and a hardware store receipt that showed the purchase of a knife, tool sharpener, rubber gloves, black mask, industrial tape, and shotgun shells.

Some of the tools listed on the receipt were found inside the tote, the Union-Times reports.

The Sheriff’s Office said within two hours of the discovery, they identified a person of interest, 21-year-old Bradley Weyaus. He reportedly had four outstanding arrest warrants unrelated to the incident.

According to the Union-Times, a pursuit between Weyaus and law enforcement ensued but eventually ended on a rural property. Weyaus was reportedly found hiding in one of the buildings on the property, and he was taken into custody.

On Thursday, March 23, Weyaus was reportedly charged with second-degree murder, fleeing a police officer, and interfering with a dead body or scene of death for concealing the body.

According to the Brainerd Dispatch, Weyaus’ girlfriend, 21-year-old Alexis Elling, was also charged in connection to the death. She faces a count for felony aiding an offender as an accomplice after the fact.

Elling reportedly told authorities that her boyfriend admitted to her that he killed Pendegayosh, but she denied that she helped place his body inside the tote. However, the Brainerd Dispatch reports that Elling told officials that the fake fingernail located inside the tote was hers.

Elling reportedly said she helped her boyfriend remove the tote from a home on Main Street and knew the victim’s body was inside.

Weyaus and Elling are scheduled to appear in court on April 4.

MORE:

• Homicide Investigation — Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office
• Isle man charged with murder of dismembered victim found in storage tote — Union-Times
• Girlfriend of man accused of Mille Lacs murder arrested for aiding the crime — Brainerd Dispatch