Clay County Jury Finds Lutgens Guilty of Attempted Manslaughter

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces a Clay County jury found Christopher Lutgens guilty of Attempted Manslaughter with a Firearm and Aggravated Assault. The Honorable Steven Whittington will sentence Lutgens during a May 16, 2023, hearing.

On Feb. 25, 2021, two victims challenged an acquaintance in a bar to an arm-wrestling bet. Lutgens then joined the conversation and began yelling at the two victims. Lutgens was captured on video pacing and pointing at one of the men — eventually he pulled out a firearm with an extended magazine and pointed it at one of the victim’s head. The two victims then left the bar, and Lutgens followed them out, but then went back inside. Shortly after, Lutgens stepped back outside and fired five shots at the victims’ vehicle as it pulled out of the parking spot. Four rounds struck the passenger side of the vehicle; one victim was hit once in his left leg and once in his right hip.

The case was investigated by Clay County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Jamie Cona and Val Avanesov.