CHISAGO COUNTY, Minn. — Just over a year since prosecutors said Mike Carda shot and killed his wife inside their Chisago County home, Carda pleaded guilty to her murder.
Carda, 40, was charged with second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and second-degree attempted murder in days following the Oct. 6 shooting death of his wife Sarah. He pleaded guilty to the two former charges Friday.
According to court documents, Carda waived his right to a pre-trial hearing, as well as a trial by judge and/or jury, with the plea.
The criminal complaint said law enforcement responded to the residence in Fish Lake Township just before noon on calls about a domestic incident. One responding officer later told investigators they could hear arguing about 40 yards from the home before a woman told them "he has a gun" as they approached the home.
According to the complaint, deputies then heard shots from inside the home, prompting a SWAT response. After many failed attempts to get Carda to surrender, prosecutors said law enforcement secured his arrest with aid from a K-9 officer.
The medical examiner ruled Sarah Carda's death a homicide by three gunshot wounds to the head.
Carda's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 22.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and needs help, call 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 to be connected with someone from the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The hotline includes more options for support and identifiers of abuse on its website.
For Minnesota residents, Cornerstone MN offers resources and safe housing for domestic abuse survivors and crime victims. Call 1-866-223-1111 or chat online with the crisis hotline.
