By Tanner Kent
The Free Press
LAKE CRYSTAL —
Blue Earth County law enforcement officials are saying little about a deceased male found at a residence south of Lake Crystal on Tuesday.
During a Tuesday press conference, Sheriff Brad Peterson said deputies responded to a reported burglary at 51275 176th St. around 6 a.m. and found James Mervin Nibbe, 26, of Lake Crystal dead. He was identified by a family member.
Peterson said the incident “appears to be isolated” and officials believe “there is no threat to the public at large.” He also said there are no suspects in custody.
But after reading the statement, Peterson answered only one question — confirming that Nibbe did live at the residence where he was found — before exiting the room as another reporter asked if Nibbe lived in the house alone. Peterson did not address if a weapon was involved, how Nibbe died, if anyone else in the home was injured, if anything was missing from the residence, if there is a suspect and why that suspect is not believed to be a threat.
Peterson did say during his statement that releasing further details could “compromise the investigation.”
According to newspaper records, Nibbe was married to Jennifer Gilman on May 24, 2008. The engagement announcement said both Nibbe and Gilman were graduates of Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial High School (in 2002 and 1995, respectively). The announcement also said Gilman was employed at the Mankato Surgery Center and Nibbe at Maple River Electric.
The property where Nibbe was found is owned by Jennifer Gilman, according to public records. Attempts to reach Gilman family members were not successful.
After responding to the incident, law enforcement blocked off 176th Street, a gravel road about three miles south of Lake Crystal, off County Road 20. A woman who lives at the Oldenborg residence, which is located across the street from where Nibbe was found, said she was never evacuated from her home and that police did not indicate she was in any danger.
An autopsy will be conducted and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting with the investigation.
Peterson concluded his statement by saying all leads are being pursued and anyone with information is asked to call 507-304-4863.
