Lake Crystal, Minnesota – Kristi Joy Gardner, a 57-year-old woman from rural Lake Crystal, tragically lost her life on Thursday night, January 9, 2025, after being fatally shot at her home.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that Gardner had been in a relationship with 64-year-old Gary Mark Rodewald of New Ulm.
On Friday morning, Rodewald was found in a vehicle at his residence in New Ulm, suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was subsequently transported to a Minneapolis hospital, where he remained unresponsive in the ICU as of Friday night.
At 7:18 p.m. on Thursday, deputies from the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call from a friend of Gardner, reporting that she was unresponsive. First responders confirmed Gardner’s tragic death upon arrival at the residence on 515th Avenue, just north of Highway 60.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Gardner’s family has not yet announced memorial services, but they have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support during this difficult time.