PIPESTONE COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER IN GIRLFRIEND’S DEATH

Prosecutors in Pipestone County are charging an Edgerton man with the second-degree murder off his girlfriend.  Deputies were called to a possible assault Saturday and found the woman dead and 35-year-old James Benson at the scene with scratches on his face and arms.  The criminal complaint says the victim had no pulse, marks on her throat and an extension cord wrapped around her legs.  The medical examiner determined she likely died of asphyxia.  Benson’s first court appearance is Tuesday.