WOLVERTON, MN — A casual New Year’s Eve celebration in the small town of Wolverton, Minnesota, took a dark turn, culminating in the death of a 22-year-old man after a firearm was reportedly misused in an act that officials are calling reckless. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, casting a somber tone over what was meant to be a festive gathering.
Authorities were called to a residence on the 1700 block of Highway 77 just before 1 a.m., where they found Jorden Boehm with a fatal neck wound. Rescue teams pronounced him dead at the scene, according to Wilkin County law enforcement.
The house party, hosted by 26-year-old Myron Johanson, was attended by approximately 10 people. Throughout the night, Johanson allegedly engaged in risky behavior involving a handgun, which he pointed at various guests during the festivities. This behavior escalated despite the concerns of attendees.
A chilling moment occurred when Johanson reportedly pointed the gun at his own head after declaring the magazine removed and posed the question to a guest, “Do you trust me?” The situation grew more severe when, after being cautioned by a guest who pushed the gun away, Johanson is said to have reinserted the magazine and ready a round into the chamber.
The gathering then witnessed a harrowing scene as Johanson allegedly placed the gun under Boehm’s neck and asked once more, “Do you trust me?” before the weapon fired unexpectedly. Immediate chaos ensued, with calls for emergency assistance echoing through the home.
Following the incident, Johanson purportedly made the weapon safe and placed it in a bedroom before contacting emergency services. After being detained and informed of his rights, Johanson reportedly told the police that the shooting was accidental and he did not aim to hurt Boehm.
Johanson was arrested and faces third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges and is currently held at Wilkin County Jail without bond. Legal representation for Johanson had not been listed at the time of the report.
Family members have described Boehm as a generous, kind-hearted individual known for his readiness to assist others. His bereaved mother spoke of her son’s cheerful nature and his altruistic spirit, which was well-regarded in their community.
While the investigation is ongoing, officials are meticulously examining the sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting. An autopsy to determine the exact cause of death is underway, conducted by the medical examiner’s office in Ramsey County.
The Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking additional witnesses or anyone with useful information about the incident as the inquiry into the tragic events of that evening continues, hoping to uncover the full details of what transpired during what was supposed to be a celebratory gathering.