The Isanti County man convicted in the murder of Amanda Jo Vangrinsven was sentenced to 285 months in prison on Thursday.
Richard Peterson was charged with second-degree murder and interference with a dead body after Vangrinsven’s body was found on his property in August of 2021.
According to the criminal complaint Vangrinsven had been reported missing for days after she had last been seen leaving a bar with a man who was identified as Peterson.
Multiple search warrants were executed at Peterson’s home, where her body was discovered buried.
The Midwest Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death was homicide due to a gunshot in the back of the head.
According to court records, Peterson entered an Alford plea in February. An Alford plea is a guilty plea where the defendant maintains their innocence, but admits that evidence would likely result in a guilty verdict.
The interference with a dead body charge was dismissed.
