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By Tom Olsen
According to the charges brought against an individual who was staying with the victims, they both died from blunt force trauma.
Formerly homeless Iron Range resident allegedly fatally beat an elderly Babbitt family who took him in.
Roger Allen Beldo (54), was charged with two counts each of second-degree intentional murder for the killings on Saturday of Clifford Johnson and Christine Johnson.
Beldo is said to have driven the car of the victims to Duluth, asked to go to jail and confessed to several murders. The authorities indicated that Beldo may have mental issues. He also claimed that he told police the couple tried to steal his food and housing benefits.
A criminal complaint states:
Beldo, who was in the emergency department at Essentia’s St. Mary’s Medical Center on Saturday night around 11.15 pm, called 911 several times to report that he’d done “really terrible things.”
Duluth Police Officer found Beldo at a parking lot nearby. He reported that he smelt of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes. He said he was going to jail, and then went on to say he killed someone.
Beldo refused to give any clarification when asked by the police officer. He said he would “figure it out”, and that “he needed to do his work” but continued to insist he be sent to prison. He eventually admitted killing both of his roommates, and told the officer that they could be found in Babbitt at 38 Fir Circle.
Beldo then gave a victim’s name, and stated that one would be located in the garage while the other would be inside the home. Officers also noticed dried blood on the defendant’s clothes and small red spots on his shoes.
Beldo, when asked how he killed the victims, said that he had used a tire iron, hammer and added “mother in bed” and father “in the garage.” When asked how he reached Duluth he confessed to taking the Johnsons car.
The Babbitt Police officer sent was able to see Clifford Johnson lying on the ground after shining his flashlight into the garage. The officers forced their way in and discovered Christine Johnson lying on a mattress. Both victims were declared dead due to significant head injuries.
Later, a crowbar and a hammer were found on the porch.
Near First Street and 23rd Avenue West in Duluth was found the Nissan Rogue of the victim. The exterior had several visible drops of blood. Beldo still had the keys.
Beldo has agreed to give a statement to Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office under Miranda Warning on Sunday.
The complaint says that the defendant claimed he did not have a car or any income other than foot stamps. The complaint states that “Defendant claimed the victims wanted to take his Section 8 voucher and his food stamps after he had been approved.” The defendant also said, “I killed them. Nothing I can do.” “
The granddaughter told the investigator that Beldo lived with the Johnsons for at least one month. She was not certain of the date of his move in.
Beldo’s criminal record dates back at least to 1995. However, most of the offenses are relatively minor. At least 15 of these convictions were for disorderly behavior and 3 for domestic violence.
Beldo, in 2013, pleaded guilty to two felony charges of domestic abuse and theft of motor vehicle. After several probation infractions, he was sentenced to a 13 month prison term.
Beldo is alleged to have told a deputy that he drinks “too much” during a domestic violence arrest in 2020. Other convictions include making harassing calls, interfering a police officer and impaired driving.
Amber Pederson, the prosecutor for St. Louis County, said Beldo told police he also suffers from mental issues. She requested $1,000,000 bail, citing a “history” of violent behavior and the seriousness of the charges.
At the Wednesday arraignment, Judge Rachel Sullivan approved this request and appointed a Public Defender to represent Beldo. The next scheduled court date was Monday.
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