Family of slain Fargo dentist is taking safety measures after accused mastermind posts $1 million bail

The enormous amount of bail, one million dollars cash, is believed to be the largest ever paid in Cass County. Now with one of two suspects free, questions remain about the safety of the public, the victim's family, and the little girl at the center of the brutal murder.

Gene Kirkpatrick is a free man tonight after spending nearly three months behind bars at the Cass County Jail. He's accused of paying his former handyman 3-thousand dollars to drive to Fargo to murder his former son-in-law in hopes of gaining custody of his granddaughter Kennedy. He disagreed with the way Gattuso was raising Kennedy after her mother died.

Do you have anything to say about the allegations against you? “I really don't have any comments at all. Thank you.”

The 63-year old remains calm, polite, and soft spoken as we visit on and off camera about his release, the murder, and his family.

“I'm not trying to be rude.”

Kirkpatrick tells WDAY he's headed home to Oklahoma, with a bag of letters and cards, after his attorneys posted one million dollars cash bail.

“No really, honest, I don't have any comments. It'd be better if I don't say anything.”

“I've never seen anybody meet that before. I think it was an appropriate bail to set. I'm a little surprised he did it.”

Cass County State's Attorney Birch Burdick says there's not much more the courts can do, considering Kirkpatrick met bail requirements.

“My sense is if you put up a million dollars, you're going to try to behave yourself. If you don't, you potentially are losing a million dollars.”

While Burdick believes there are no concerns to the public, Philip Gattuso's family disagrees. His brother Roy tells us quote he's emotionally distraught and worries about his family's safety, including that of Kennedy. Roy says he's looking into hiring police to watch his property and has already notified Kennedy's day school of Kirkpatrick's release.

Kennedy is said to be doing great in Louisiana and knows Philip is "in heaven" or "dead". As part of bail, Kirkpatrick can't have contact with the Gattuso family and has turned over his passport. He does not have to check in with authorities or his lawyers. Prosecutors can approach the court if issues arise. Kirkpatrick's attorneys and daughter declined comment. His next court hearing in Cass County is next Thursday.

The other suspect in the Gattuso case is still in the Cass County Jail, not expected to post his one million dollar cash bail. Michael Nakvinda is charged with murder, robbery, burglary and theft. He's accused of getting paid to kill Philip Gattuso with a hammer in the murder-for-hire scheme last October. The murder took place at Gattuso's South Fargo condo.

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