Murder charges for man accused of shooting neighbor over deer feeding
A Ramsey County grand jury has brought first-degree murder charges against a man accused of killing his neighbor in a dispute over feeding deer.
Authorities say Neal Zumberge of New Brighton fired a 12-gauge shotgun at 46-year-old Todd Stevens in early May, killing him. Prosecutors say Stevens' girlfriend, Jennifer Damerow-Cleven, survived gunshot wounds to her stomach.
According to the indictment, Zumberge allegedly told officers that he had a tumultuous relationship with Stevens going back 15 years. In the original complaint, prosecutors say Zumberge's family blamed his Lyme disease on deer in the neighborhood and were angry with Stevens for feeding the animals.
Police say Zumberge's son had earlier threatened to burn down Stevens' house.
In August, a judge acquitted Zumberge's wife, Paula Anne Zumberge, of aiding and abetting the killing.
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