OCSO identify woman found dead in ditch on Monday; suspect named, charged

(ABC 6 News) – The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) on Thursday released the identity of a woman found deceased in a ditch in Cascade Township on Monday night.

The body of Kimberly Ann Robinson, 41, of the Eyota and Rochester area was discovered after a resident’s dog located her body in a ditch about 20 to 25 feet off of West River Road near River Bluff Lane NW.

RELATED: UPDATE: NW Rochester death considered suspicious; body found by dog-walker

On Thursday morning, OCSO Capt. James Schueller said an autopsy was completed Wednesday with the results not available yet, however they classified Robinson’s death as a homicide.

In a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, said investigators believe a firearm was used in the ultimate death of Robinson though no specifics on the exact firearm were given until full autopsy results are available as the investigation is ongoing.

Torgerson said based on their findings, a person of interest was identified and officials began working leads including making contact with the person of interest’s family and asking for assistance in having the person come meet with investigators.

The person was brought to the Law Enforcement Center on Wednesday night by a family member and was taken in for questioning. At the conclusion of the session, the person of interest declined to give a statement and was placed under arrest.

As a result, the suspect has been identified as Mustafa Rahshad Bush, 39, of Rochester, who has been charged with 2nd-degree murder in the death of Robinson. Additional charges may be forthcoming as further evidence is reviewed and processed.

Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem, said Bush is currently on supervised release from the Department of Corrections.

A look at Bush’s previous criminal history includes a conviction in 2006 of 1st degree sale of drugs and again 2011 for the same charge. These both took place in Hennepin County, MN.

In 2006, Bush was convicted of 2nd degree murder in the killing of Corey Richardson at Richardson’s northwest Rochester home. He is currently on supervised release after serving two-thirds of his sentence in prison.

“I think it’s way, way, way too early to comment about whether or not that information would be used at all in this case,” Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem said about Bush’s prior conviction impacting possible charges in Robinson’s death.

In 2006, Bush was sentenced to 20 years for his role in the murder of Cory Richardson. He was released from prison March 30, 2020, and was on supervised release at the time of Robinson’s death.

Ostrem said Bush is scheduled to make his first court appearance sometime next week.

A GoFundMe page has been setup to cover funeral arrangements and memorial service for Robinson.

ABC 6 News will update this story when additional information becomes available.