Man charged in death of mother

A 40-year-old man has been charged with murdering his mother in St. Cloud.

Chad Matthew Pulju was charged Friday in Stearns County with second-degree murder.

Authorities say police went to a St. Cloud home early Thursday, and arrived to find 68-year-old Geraldine Delores Bennett injured and covered in blood. She died at a St. Cloud hospital.

According to the complaint, an autopsy showed Bennett died of multiple sharp force injuries. She had stab wounds to her face, neck and arm, and one wound damaged her left carotid artery.

Police say they recovered a bloody folding knife under Pulju's leg. The complaint says Pulju told police he could not remember what happened. A message left with Pulju's attorney was not immediately returned Friday.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.