February 2, 2025, a body that was found along Ravenna Trail just past the bridge over the Vermillion River near the Hastings Dog Park was identified as William “Ike” Eickholt, age 74 of Denmark Township. According to the initial press release from the Washington County Sheriff’s office, Eickholt was identified after the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension made a DNA match to one of Eickholt’s family members, and through supporting evidence including security camera images and personal effects.
Eickholt was found on the side of the road in the 1300 block of Ravenna Trail (10th Street). His cause of death is a gunshot wound to the head. The manner of death remained under investigation by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office until their recent report on August 1, 2025. The report was short, only about 60 words, and then the line “Manner of Death: Homicide”.
Eickholt had been identified as missing on Feb. 1 when investigators responded to multiple fires at his Denmark Township property. A day later he was found.
Several residents commented on various social media posts that the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s report confirmed what most people already knew, something foul was afoot that day. The comments ranged from a statement of sadness around Ike’s death, letting people live the life they choose and hope that the perpetrator is brought to justice. The comments also included things like, due to Ike’s crossdressing that the murder be charged as a hate crime and questions wondering why it took six months to come to the conclusion it was murder.
In Minnesota, if a crime is charged as a hate crime, the level of the crime can be increased. For example, if the original crime was a misdemeanor, it could be upgraded to either a gross-misdemeanor or even a felony. That includes more lengthy sentencing. In the case of a felony, the sentence can be increased by as much as 25 percent.
Investigators are still having difficulties finding additional evidence regarding potential people to talk to regarding Eickholt’s murder. They are still asking for anyone with information to come forward.
Residents and business owners in the areas surrounding 127th Street and Morgan Avenue between Manning Avenue/Highway 61 and St. Croix Trail South are asked to check their security cameras for anything suspicious between midnight on Saturday, Feb. 1, and 9:50 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2.
Anyone with information about Eickholt’s activities leading up to Feb. 1, information about the Feb. 1 fires at his property, or who witnessed a vehicle at or near the property on Jan. 31 or Feb. 1.
Anyone who witnessed a vehicle at or near the 1300 block of Ravenna Trail between midnight on Feb. 1, and 9:50 a.m. on Feb. 2. According to Commander Kyle Schenck of the Washington County Sheriff’s office, they do not believe the fire that occurred at Eickholt’s home in July and the fire that occurred with his truck on Feb. 1 are connected, but each are open and active investigations.
When previously asked about the death of Eickholt and if officials are looking at the death as a murder and/or a hate crime, he stated, “We are investigating any and all options in this case.”
Investigators ask that you contact the Hastings Police Department at 651-480-2300 or the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 651-439-9381. No detail is too small to report.