A man admitted Tuesday that he fatally beat his brother with a baseball bat in their garage in Plymouth more than two years ago.
Eric C. Spanier, 49, pleaded guilty in Hennepin County District Court to second-degree unintentional murder in connection with the assault on June 15, 2023, at the home in the 400 block of Saratoga Lane that killed 36-year-old Dustan Spanier.
The plea agreement between the prosecution and the defense calls for Spanier to receive an 18⅓-year sentence. In the meantime, he remains in custody ahead of sentencing, which is scheduled for Oct. 20.
With credit for time served since his arrest and if the plea deal is accepted by the court, Spanier is expected to spend roughly 11½ years in prison and the balance on supervised release.
Eric Spanier entered what is known as a Norgaard plea, meaning he admits to the murder but has no memory of it.
While the criminal complaint did not offer a motive for the attack, court records show that Eric Spanier has a history of mental illness.
Dustan Spanier graduated from Paynesville High School in 2005, got his undergraduate degree in information systems from St. Cloud State University and worked at Prime Therapeutics as a data visualization consultant, according to his obituary.
“He had a passion for flying drones, finding joy in both playing with and upgrading video games, as well as building and repairing technical equipment,” the obituary read. “Dustan found solace in playing the piano, took pride in doing yard work, and extended a helping hand to those in need. His selflessness and unwavering positivity radiated through his interactions, as he delighted in sharing jokes and constantly wore a smile.”
