Brandon Rose, a 49-year-old man from Elk River, Minnesota, allegedly beat his 70-year-old roommate William Canty Jr. to death following an insult directed at Rose’s girlfriend. The incident stemmed from escalating tensions, including Canty’s alleged sexual advances toward Rose and his name-calling, such as labeling the girlfriend a “fatso.”​
Incident Details
Police responded to the Fillmore Street home on January 4, 2026, after Rose’s girlfriend reported his confession over the phone. They discovered Canty’s body hidden under clothing in a bathroom, with a bloody shower curtain and bathrobe belt nearby. Rose was found unconscious in a bedroom with a needle in his arm and a syringe containing blue methylene blue substance close by; officers revived him with Narcan.​
Evidence and Autopsy
An autopsy revealed Canty suffered multiple rib fractures, a broken clavicle, neck bone fractures, and brain bleeding, likely from blunt force trauma or asphyxiation. Blue dye from methylene blue was found on both men, and Rose had a swollen, bruised hand with blood and dye on his clothing. Rose admitted to a “scuffle” and referenced Canty’s unwanted advances.​
Legal Status
Rose faces two counts of second-degree murder in Sherburne County, charged on January 6 or 7, 2026. He has a prior criminal history including multiple assault convictions and remains in custody without bond ahead of a January 14 court date. His girlfriend noted his erratic behavior, including claims of injecting air to attempt suicide.
