In a shocking turn of events in Minnesota, a father returned from vacation to discover his home in chaos, leading to the arrest of his daughter, Josephine Ann Powers, for the alleged murder of 70-year-old Michael Robert Riccio. According to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office, Powers is accused of shooting Riccio in the head after an argument, an act she reportedly confessed to police following a delayed report of the incident.
The father, referred to as Witness 1, encountered a man in a hazmat suit cleaning his home and later woke up to the smell of bleach and ammonia, indicating an attempt to clean up the crime scene. Two days later, he learned from his daughter’s friend, Witness 2, about the shooting that occurred while he was away.
Police investigations revealed a strong smell of bleach at the scene, recently patched bullet holes, and the involvement of Christopher Michael Hawkins, who allegedly assisted Powers in moving Riccio’s body to a shed in Minneapolis. Hawkins, after being read his Miranda rights, disclosed that Powers had offered him a truck in exchange for moving a “package,” which turned out to be Riccio’s body, wrapped in garbage bags and rugs.
Court documents further detailed that Powers shot Riccio because he was “bothering her,” using a pistol provided by a friend who witnessed the incident. Another witness, Witness 4, reported hearing the argument and seeing the violent escalation leading to the shooting.
Powers’ bail was set at $1 million, with strict conditions including no contact with the victim’s family or witnesses, surrender of firearms, and prohibition from drugs and alcohol. Her court appearance was scheduled for August 1. Meanwhile, Hawkins faces unrelated burglary charges and awaits transfer to Dakota County Jail.
This tragic incident highlights the severe consequences of domestic disputes and the importance of legal and psychological interventions in preventing such violent outcomes.