the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the St. Louis County medical examiner's office.

Friend cites 12-year sobriety

Beaudoin was in International Falls for a reception over the weekend with his girlfriend, said Thomas Stein, who described himself as a "very, very close" friend of Beaudoin's for the past 10 years.

Stein, of Buffalo, Minn., said he was puzzled about the allegations against his friend and said Beaudoin's migraines had been bothering him in recent weeks.

Also, Stein said, Beaudoin was a recovering alcoholic who "just got a 12-year medallion last week. He was proud of his sobriety."

According to the Sheriff's Office:

Beaudoin broke a door lock and entered a home about 5:20 a.m. in the 4200 block of Hwy. 53. Homeowner Neil Reller grabbed a shotgun and struggled with Beaudoin, striking theintruder on the head several times with the gun so hard that the stock broke off the weapon.

Beaudoin, his face covered in blood, fled in his vehicle about 8 miles to the southeast and showed up at the Himes' home in the 5700 block of Hwy. 53. He told Ethel Himes that he had been assaulted. When Himes let Beaudoin inside, he threw her onto the living-room floor, choked her and beat her head on the floor.

Brad Himes came upon the struggle and went to his bedroom for a handgun. Beaudoin followed the son and lunged at him, prompting Brad Himes to shoot the intruder.

A sheriff's deputy gave first aid to Beaudoin, who died at Rainy Lake Medical Center.

Has degree from Bemidji

Other than a few traffic violations, Beaudoin