Southern Minnesota Man Arrested In Woman’s Death

NEW ULM (AP) -- Police have arrested a Springfield man in the death of a 22-year-old woman whose remains were found in a burning minivan near Sleepy Eye last week.

Reports say the 26-year-old suspect is expected to be charged Friday with second-degree murder in the death of Amber Lechuga, also of Springfield.

Brown County Chief Deputy Jason Seidl says the man was arrested without incident Thursday.

Seidl says the suspect called 911 on September 25th to report an auto accident and assault along Highway 4 south of Sleepy Eye.

When police arrived they found the man partially clothed and smelling of gasoline, and the minivan engulfed in flames.

The man told police he had been struck in the head and doused with gasoline.

He suffered minor burns.

Police found the remains of Lechuga in the van.