Two Charged With Third-Degree Murder in Chisago County Fatal Fentanyl Overdose
Published: July 6th, 2026.
CHISAGO COUNTY MN: Two people have been charged in connection with the fentanyl overdose death of a 24-year-old man in Chisago County.
According to a criminal complaint filed on July 2, 2026, Michael Laurence Bunde, 65, and Morgan Kathryn Johnson, 26, each face one count of third-degree murder. Prosecutors allege the pair provided the illegal controlled substances that led to the victim's death.
Authorities say the investigation began on March 19, 2025, when deputies with the Chisago County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence in Chisago Lakes Township, where they found the victim deceased from an apparent overdose.
An autopsy conducted by the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office determined the cause of death was acute fentanyl toxicity.
According to the complaint, investigators with the Chisago County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants and conducted digital forensic examinations during the investigation. Based on the evidence collected, investigators allege Bunde and Johnson were the sources of the fentanyl that caused the victim's death.
Complaint warrants were issued for both defendants on July 2, 2026. Investigators located and arrested Bunde and Johnson within hours of the warrants being issued.
Both defendants made their first court appearances Monday. Bail was set at $500,000 unconditional or $250,000 conditional. Additional court hearings are scheduled for later this month.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Bunde and Johnson are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.