Man Pleads Guilty In South Dakota County Murder

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — A Saint Paul man pled guilty on Thursday to one count of second-degree murder in connection with the killing of 55-year-old Chris Lafontaine in Greenvale Township in early July, according to a news release from The Dakota County Attorney's Office.

Nicholas Alan Taylor, 29, will be sentenced on June 22, according to the news release.

Dakota County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to a burglary in Greenvale Township on July 2 at 4:45 p.m., officials said. When they got to Lafontaine's house, they were told that two men ran out of the home when a neighbor knocked on the door and fled in Lafontaine's car, according to the news release.

Lafontaine was found dead in his bathroom with his hands and feet tied together, according to officials. There was a rag over his mouth and tied around his head, officials said. According to the news release, Lafontaine died of asphyxiation.

Northfield police soon after found Lafontaine's car and tried to pull it over, the news release said. The occupants of the car ran into the woods and two were arrested, but Taylor escaped and was later caught in Montana, police said.

"We are pleased that Mr. Taylor has taken responsibility for his role in the senseless death of
Mr. Lafontaine," Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena said. "Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mr. Lafontaine’s family for their loss."