Warning: This report contains suicide and murder subject matter
The Twin Cities car scene was rocked last weekend with news of the deaths of two prominent figures in local circles who were popular for their outreach and expertise in the specialty automotive community.
However, as details emerged about what had transpired, shock turned to anger.
Social media reports began emerging early Saturday seeking information about Daniel Balto, creator of the “Carmmunity” app, who was reportedly missing, and posters expressed concern for his wellbeing.
At the same time, Minneapolis police were dispatched several times early Saturday morning on reports of a person in crisis who was reported to possibly be at an address on the 600 block of Washington Avenue South. At several points in the dispatches over two to three hours, Balto was named as the subject of the welfare checks, and he was also indicated as a suspect in a shooting that had occurred in Chanhassen earlier, according to police scanner audio.
About 8 a.m. Saturday morning, police were again called back to the Washington Avenue address on a report of a possible suicide. A neighbor had checked on the person, later identified in social media reports as Balto (public information also shows Balto connected to the address and unit number), who had sent an overnight text asking the neighbor to take care of his cats. When the neighbor entered Balto’s apartment, they saw a male in the shower area without entering further and called police, according to scanner audio.
As the morning progressed, details began to emerge about a law enforcement incident in Chanhassen at the AutoPlex just south of Hwy. 5 and Audubon Road.
The Carver County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) eventually released a statement later in the day Saturday confirming that a 33-year-old male had been found deceased on Friday afternoon, April 12, by his parents inside one of the garage stalls at the complex. Evidence suggested a violent assault had occurred, CCSO said.
They said that they had identified a “person of interest” in the assault who was later found deceased at a residence in Minneapolis. CCSO said the incident appeared to be isolated and said there was no evidence to suggest the public was in danger.
In a since deleted YouTube video, Balto had filmed a “goodbye” message indicating he planned to take his life. In the video dated April 10 (which apparently wasn’t posted until late Friday), Balto described financial issues and his perceived failure to cultivate the idealistic (automotive) community he desired. Balto indicated the final straw was discovering a relationship infidelity with his girlfriend, who had turned to one of his friends.
The decedent in Chanhassen has since been identified as Erik Berger, whose brother Scott Berger identified him in a Facebook post on Saturday, saying, “Erik lived more life, a richer life, and accomplished more in 33 short years than many of us could hope to do in 103 years.”
Erik’s employer, Building Restoration Corporation, posted a tribute to him on Tuesday this week lamenting the “loss of our dear colleague and cherished friend.” Berger was involved with the company’s IT department but helped out the company in other areas, they said.
“Erik will leave a hole in many hearts even outside of BRC, as he was a large influence on the car community nationwide, instrumental in helping animal shelters, and always willing to lend a hand to nearly anyone who needed it. Our hearts go out to Erik’s family and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts as we all navigate this unimaginable time.”
The Carver County Sheriff’s Office has since confirmed to media that Berger was shot and stabbed during the assault that resulted in his death, and that Balto and Berger were acquainted. However, authorities have not officially named Balto as the decedent in Minneapolis, nor have they officially named him in connection to the death of Berger at this time. CCSO has said that the investigation remains active. Medical examiner reports have yet to be released for either party detailing the cause and manner of death for each.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
