Man Pleads Guilty In Stepfather's Murder

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- A 49-year-old man, accused of beating his stepfather to death, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of intentional second-degree murder.

Dean Joseph Porter faces a possible sentence of more than 30 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced March 15.

According to the criminal complaint, police went to 69-year-old William Shocinski's home on a welfare check on Dec. 21, 2010, after his relatives reported him missing. Upon arrival, officers found his body in a rear entry vestibule in his home in St. Paul.

The complaint states Shocinski's body appeared to be badly beaten, including a number of head and facial wounds. Investigators found blood splatters and stains in the home, plus a bloody hammer and duct tape.

Police also discovered evidence that Porter had been illegally using Shocinski's deceased wife's credit card in September and November.

After being arrested, Porter told police he was living with Shocinski because he had no income and nowhere else to live, according to the complaint.