Duluth Man Gets 20 Years in Prison in Park Point Murder Case

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man who burglarized, robbed, and killed 70-year-old Park Point resident Larry Watczak was sentenced to 20 years in prison today for second-degree murder without intent.

According to court records, charges of first-degree aggravated robbery and first-degree burglary were dropped in a plea agreement against 31-year-old Darrel Mayhew.

Mayhew was accused of violently attacking Watczak, 70, during a burglary in his home on January 2.

Authorities say Watczak was hit over the head with a blunt instrument while taking his evening nap in his home on the 800-block of Lake Avenue on Park Point. Watczak later died of his injuries. 

Mayhew had agreed to a 240 month sentence recommendation by the County Attorney’s Office rather than the 180 month guideline sentence as part of his plea.