A Wadena man has been indicted on nine felony charges, including murder in the first degree, in connection with wife's death Nov. 7, 2016.
Antonio St. Marie allegedly shot his estranged wife, Margaret St. Marie, in her home on Bryant Ave. SE in Wadena, after holding her at gunpoint, according to the complaint. Margaret St. Marie's brother, James Flath, Jr., and a young child were also held at gunpoint but were able to escape.
While police pursued the suspect in a high-speed chase, another officer found Margaret St. Marie dead in the home from a gunshot wound, according to the complaint. Antonio St. Marie was later involved in a head-on crash with another vehicle during the pursuit and continues to be held in an out-of-county medical facility due to his injuries.
Wadena County Attorney Kyra Ladd decided to call a grand jury to determine an indictment.
"I have served 11 years as County Attorney and this was the first grand jury I have convened in Wadena," she said. "Convening a grand jury was an appropriate thing to do in this case and I am grateful for the work of the grand jury and the resulting indictments."
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Ladd is now preparing to go to trial with the case.
"As a result of the indictments, the case will continue in due course in accordance with the various rules and laws that govern criminal proceedings as we prepare for trial in this matter," Ladd said.
Prior to the Nov. 7 events, court records show he was arrested and charged with felony domestic assault the week before and booked into the Wadena County Jail. He was released on bail the morning of Nov. 7 with several conditions, including no contact with the victim and no use or possession of firearms.
That morning, Antonio St. Marie posted several comments on Facebook, including one that read "feeling ----ing betrayed beyond belief" along with 33 angry face emojis. A later Facebook post asked "who wants to make a quick $500."
The indictment lists nine felonies against Antonio St. Marie. They include:
• Count I - Murder in the First Degree (premeditation)
• Count II - Murder in the First Degree (while committing kidnapping)
• Count III - Murder in the First Degree (while tampering with a witness)
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• Count IV - Murder in the First Degree (while committing aggravated robbery)
• Count V - Murder in the First Degree (while committing domestic abuse)
• Count VI - Murder in the Second Degree (intentional)
• County VII - Murder in the Second degree (while restrained by a no contact order)
• Count VII - Kidnapping (James Flath Jr.)
• Count IX - Possession of a Pistol by a Prohibited Person
St. Marie faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of release. An omnibus hearing for Antonio St. Marie is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4.
