“He’s dead don’t worry.”: Charges filed in deadly Moorhead assault

MOORHEAD, Minn. (Valley News Live) - We’re learning more about a disturbing and brutal assault that left one man dead and another behind bars late last week.

25-year-old Douglas James Swenson II is now charged with second-degree, non-premeditated murder in the death of his half-brother who has been identified as 29-year-old Dustin Glenn Momerak.

Moorhead Police responded to an apartment in the 3300 block of 12th St. S. for a disturbance at 11:30 p.m. on March 9. The 911 caller told dispatchers there were men yelling and one said, “You deserve to die.” Once on scene, an officer stated he heard a thud coming from the apartment and then music.

Once another officer arrived, the two knocked on the apartment door and state Swenson opened the door slightly. The officers asked to enter the apartment to check on everyone inside and documents state Swenson told them that his brother was inside, but he was sleeping. Court papers state Swenson appeared to have blood on his eyebrows and hands. As officers continued to ask Swenson if they could come check on everyone inside, documents say Swenson started banging his head against the door jam and yelling.

According to court documents, Swenson then opened the door all the way and officers noted he wasn’t wearing any clothes and had blood all over his hands and feet. Swenson allegedly told officers, “Go ahead come on come on I killed him go ahead go ahead he’s dead go ahead go ahead.” Before becoming angry again, court documents state Swenson told officers, “He’s dead he’s dead don’t worry.”

Moorhead Police say Swenson refused officer commands and was tased to gain compliance. When officers began to enter the apartment, court documents say Swenson told police they were “not going to be able to save him.” Swenson declined to speak with detectives when he was booked into the jail.

Court documents state a provisional autopsy report noted multiple sharp force and blunt injuries to Momerak’s head and neck and well as multiple contusions on his body. Momerak had several broken bones in his face, a skull fracture and broken ribs. The manner of death was listed as homicide.

Moorhead Police say an item believed to be used in the homicide was located on the scene. It’s unclear what that item is.

Court records state Swenson was on supervised probation for a 2019 assault at the time of his arrest.

Swenson’s mother told police in June 2019 her son had punched her multiple times which broke her cheekbone and needed reconstructive surgery. Court documents say Swenson became upset with his mother when she was ignoring what he was saying. The victim told officers Swenson had been drinking which makes him get “lippy.”

Swenson was convicted of third-degree assault in the case. He was sentenced to 12 months behind bars and five years of supervised probation which was to expire in 2024.

Swenson’s bail has been set at $1 million with conditions and $2 million without conditions.

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