Cass County authorities identify shooting victim

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is identifying the individual who passed away after the incident in Casselton as 50-year-old Duane Turchin of Casselton, ND.  On Friday, May 8th around 9:35 p.m., the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Casselton Ambulance and the Casselton Fire Department responded to a report of a gunshot incident in the 100 block of 3rd Ave No.  On scene, authorities learned that  Mr. Turchin had sustained a gunshot wound to the upper chest area.  Turchin was immediately transported by Casselton Ambulance to a local Fargo hospital where he later passed away.  The suspect in this case, identified as 23-year-old year old William S. Dittmer, Jr., was subsequently arrested and booked into the Cass County Jail for murder. 

Through investigation, Mr. Dittmer advised law enforcement that he and Mr. Turchin were familiar with one another and all evidence at this point leads law enforcement to believe this was an isolated incident and no one else was in danger.  As this investigation moves forward, the facts of the case are being presented to the Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office for their review.  Mr. Turchin’s body has been transferred to the state medical examiner’s office for an autopsy; law enforcement is awaiting those results.  The Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with the family of Mr. Turchin and our condolences go out to them as they grieve through this difficult time.  The family has requested that everyone respect their privacy.

As this investigation continues to unfold, further information will be released.   The Sheriff’s Office is not providing further details (or on-camera interviews) at this time.  Please look for that in the near future.