By Lori Ehde
It's been more than three months since Luverne's Carrie Nelson was murdered while working at Blue Mounds State Park, but the case remains a top priority for both local and state investigators.
"All leads are taken, and all are followed up on," said Assistant County Terry Vajgrt. "It's a very methodical process."
The latest update to the story is a possible increase in the reward money offered for information leading to an arrest. The amount currently stands at $15,000.
Vajgrt said he and local law enforcement met in St. Paul Aug. 24 to review evidence to date with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
"We have no significant developments and sometimes that's the hardest news to release," Vajgrt said Tuesday. "But without question, the case continues to be a top priority."
He said the St. Paul meeting involved himself, Rock County Sheriff Ron McClure, Investigator Clyde Menning, eight to 10 BCA agents and a representative from the Minnesota Attorney General's office.
"Forensics scientists at BCA are working hard on the case examining physical evidence," Vajgrt said.
"At least one BCA agent at all times is working exclusively on the case - and that's in addition to the forensics scientists.
"Our local investigator, Clyde Menning, is working almost exclusively on the case, following up on leads."
Nelson, 20, was found beaten to death at the Blue Mounds State Park entrance building in the afternoon of Sunday, May 20.
Still key to solving the murder is information on the watch found at the scene of the beating.
Investigators think the watch was worn by the person responsible for the robbery and murder.
The digital watch face bears the logo "Field Ranger" and is silver. The watchband is tan with brown leather accents.
Anyone with knowledge of a person wearing a watch matching this description is asked to call the tip line at (507) 283-1301.