Suspect named in Bluefin Bay Resort shooting

An arrest has been made and charges filed in the shooting incident that took place early this morning at Bluefin Bay Resort in Tofte. The suspect is being identified as 61-year old Kirk Lee Bigby, a resident of Finland, Minnesota. 

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the homicide, which occurred at approximately 12:12 a.m. Wednesday morning.  The name of the victim who died in the incident is not yet available. A family member tells KBJR-TV the victim was a 35-year-old man who was shot outside the Bluefin Grille this morning, part of the Bluefin Bay Resort.

After arriving at the scene early this morning, a Cook County Deputy observed an unresponsive male outdoors on the property of the resort. According to the preliminary investigation, several individuals stepped outside of a holiday gathering being held at the resort’s restaurant. At some point, Bigby came into physical contact with the victim. The suspect then allegedly produced a handgun and shot the victim. Witnesses to the incident identified Bigby as the shooter. Investigators located Bigby in a guest room in the resort and took him into custody. A firearm was also located in the room. Bigby has been booked into the Cook County Jail on the charge of 2nd degree murder.

Bluefin Bay owner, Dennis Rysdahl, tells KBJR that the shooting happened as a holiday party for Bluefin employees at the Grille was ending. Rysdahl says the man shot wasn't a Bluefin employee. He was an employee of the casino gaming service Bluefin had rented for the party.

This investigation is in its early stages and more specific details about the encounter is part of the ongoing investigation. The victim’s body has been taken to the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and formal identification. The medical examiner will identify the victim once the autopsy and family notifications are complete. No other individuals were injured during the incident.

During the arrest, Bigby became uncooperative and suffered minor injuries. He was transported to Cook County North Shore Hospital and was treated and released back into law enforcement custody. Bigby’s first court appearance is undetermined at this time. Investigators do not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety.

The incident is under investigation by the Cook County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The Minnesota State Patrol is also involved in the investigation.

This is a developing story WTIP News is following. We’ll keep you informed as confirmed information becomes available.