Several People Charged in Glenwood Man’s Overdose Death

On February 20, 2021, Law Enforcement and Glacial Ridge Ambulance responded to an address in rural Glenwood where Tyler Kirckof, 31 years old, was found unresponsive. Life saving measures were performed, however, Tyler passed away a couple days later due to an overdose.

The Pope County Sheriff’s Office investigated the circumstances surrounding Tyler’s death for over the next 18 months with the assistance of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Through this investigation, Law Enforcement was able to determine who assisted and provided the controlled substances that caused Tyler’s overdose.

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, with the assistance of the Pope County Attorney’s Office, is leading the prosecution. Four individuals have since been charged and had the following outcomes with their cases:

 On May 24, 2024, a Pope County Jury found Samuel Long (27 years old) of Richfield, MN Guilty of the following charges:
o 3rd degree murder – aid/abet
o 3rd degree-controlled substance crime – conspiracy
o 3rd degree-controlled substance crime – aid/abet

 On January 18, 2024, a Pope County Jury found Theresa Massey (33 years old) of
Minneapolis, MN Guilty of the following charge:
o 3rd degree-controlled substance crime – aid/abet

 On April 24, 2023, Kevin Lopez (49 years old) of Alexandria, MN pled guilty to the charge of:

o 4th degree-controlled substance crime – conspiracy

 On February 27, 2023, Jorma Thorton (37 years old) of Terrace, MN pled guilty to the charge of:
o 5th degree-controlled substance crime – conspiracy

 Another individual could potentially face criminal charges as a result of this investigation.

The Pope County Sheriff’s Office, the Pope County Attorney’s Office, and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office all offer condolences to Tyler’s family and thank the ambulance crew and hospital staff who treated Tyler. The Pope County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to utilizing all available resources to hold accountable those who provide illegal drugs resulting in the death of someone in our community.