Man Pleads Guilty In 1998 Christmas Eve Murder

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A man pleaded guilty Tuesday in the murder of a young couple that occurred nearly two decades ago on Christmas Eve.

Jason Richard Preston, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts of second degree murder in the deaths of 20-year-old Dustin Baity and 18-year-old Carrie Richter, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman.

In court, Preston admitted going to the couple's northeast Minneapolis apartment Dec. 24, 1998. He and Baity argued over a drug debt before Preston strangled Baity with a cord.

Preston said shortly after that, Richter entered the room. He did not admit to stabbing her, however, saying another person stabbed her repeatedly while he held her.

Freeman said based on DNA evidence and the fact that Tuesday was the first time Preston mentioned an accomplice, they believe Preston is the only killer in this case.

The young couple's murder remain unsolved for many years before a grant paid for DNA testing in cold cases. In 2010, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found a previously undiscovered drop of blood. Three years later, the blood drop was matched to Preston, who was serving 39 years in prison for a California robbery at the time.

As part of a plea agreement, four counts of first degree murder were dismissed. Preston is expected to receive 24 years in prison on each of the second degree murder counts. His sentencing is Jan. 6.