Tyler Walter Edwards, 26, pleaded guilty to second-degree unintentional murder on Apr. 23 before Judge Jill A. Eichenwald, according to an announcement by St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki. Edwards admitted to fatally stabbing Maxton Keith Gudowski, 25, during an argument in late July of 2024 at a residence on North 47th Avenue East in Duluth.
The case highlights the serious consequences of violent confrontations and the impact such crimes have on victims’ families and the wider community.
During the plea hearing, Edwards acknowledged that he stabbed Gudowski multiple times with a knife after a heated argument inside the residence. County Attorney Maki said, “Mr. Edwards’ plea cannot undo the profound loss of Mr. Gudowski’s life for his family or our community. While today’s outcome brings a measure of justice and certainty, our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and loved ones, who continue to carry the weight of this tragedy.”
The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office credited law enforcement agencies including the Duluth Police Department, Duluth Fire Department, and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for their work investigating the case.
Sentencing is set for June 15 at 11:00 A.M., with Edwards remanded into custody pending sentencing to begin serving his presumed prison sentence. The prosecution was led by Nathaniel Stumme, head of Duluth’s Criminal Division.
