Woman Pleads Guilty In July Dakota County Killing

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — A woman from White Bear Lake pled guilty Tuesday to one added count of first degree assault in connection with the killing of 55-year-old Chris Lafontaine in Greenvale Township in early July, according to a news release from The Dakota County Attorney's Office.

Ryann Elizabeth Smith, 23, was also charged with second degree murder and will be sentenced in June, the news release said. She is being held in Dakota County Jail without bail.

Dakota County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to a burglary in Greenvale Township on July 2 at 4:45 p.m., officials said. When they got to Lafontaine's house, they were told that two men ran out of the home when a neighbor knocked on the door and fled in Lafontaine's car, according to the news release.

Lafontaine was found dead in his bathroom with his hands and feet tied together, according to officials. There was a rag over his mouth and tied around his head, officials said. According to the news release, Lafontaine died of asphyxiation.

Northfield police soon after found Lafontaine's car and tried to pull it over, the news release said. The occupants of the car ran into the woods and two were arrested, but Smith escaped and was later caught in Montana, police said.

"We are pleased that Ms. Smith has taken responsibility for her role in the senseless death of
Mr. Lafontaine," Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena said. "Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mr. Lafontaine’s family for their loss."