Myears ailing
Erika Dalquist slaying suspect being treated for possible viral infection
William Myears, the 25-year-old Brainerd man accused of the 2002 murder of Erika Dalquist, has been sent to a Twin Cities state prison medical center for treatment of what appears to be a viral infection, said Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang.
Klang said Myears has been at Oak Park Heights Correctional Facility for the past three weeks and will remain there for a total of 6-8 weeks while doctors monitor his health. He was transferred there after complaining of leg pains, said Klang.
Citing patient privacy rights, Klang declined to comment further on Myears' condition. Oak Park Heights representatives declined to comment on Myears' condition. Calls to Myears' attorney, Greg Larson, weren't returned Wednesday.
Myears has been the prime suspect in 21-year-old Dalquist's murder since she disappeared from downtown Brainerd on Oct. 30, 2002. In January 2003, he was charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with her disappearance but those charges were dropped when authorities were unable to find Dalquist.
After 18 months of searches, Dalquist's remains were found May 15 in a shallow grave on property owned by Myears' grandparents. An hour after he was profiled on the television show "America's Most Wanted," Myears was captured June 5 while working at a carnival in Birmingham, Mich.
Myears has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder. His next court appearance is set for 9 a.m. Oct. 12 in front of Judge Richard Zimmerman.
MATT ERICKSON can be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.