Sandra Wilson Goertz Obituary – A murder/suicide shooting occurred in Lake Benton around 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, resulting in the identification of two individuals involved. Sandra Wilson Goertz, aged 81, tragically lost her life due to multiple gunshot wounds, and her death has been classified as a homicide. Edward Goertz, aged 80, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, as confirmed by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
This incident took place on South Center Street in Lake Benton, which is situated on the border of South Dakota and Minnesota, just 30 miles east of Brookings, S.D. The impact of such an event on a rural and close-knit community like Lake Benton should not be underestimated. Many residents here are interconnected through family ties, and most individuals are acquainted with one another. Consequently, when a tragedy like this occurs, it feels as though everyone has lost a loved one, as expressed by Lincoln County Sheriff Bob Bushman. The investigation into the circumstances that may have led to the shootings is still ongoing, with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension working diligently to uncover the truth.