In a recent statement, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara disclosed developments in connection to a series of shootings that resulted in multiple fatalities. Per the information from a bulletin released by the City of Minneapolis, arrests or charges have been made in six homicide cases stemming from three separate shooting incidents that terrorized the city.
The first of these incidents, which occurred on April 29 just before midnight, took the lives of Evan Ramon Denny, Joseph Douglas Goodwin, and Merelle Joan White, with two others injured. According to the City of Minneapolis bulletin, 34-year-old James Duane Ortley faces charges, including five counts of second-degree murder with intent but not premeditated, and one count of possessing ammunition/firearm by a convicted violent offender.
Moreover, the Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting on Cedar Avenue South that took place on April 30 at 1:00 p.m., where Tiago Antonio Gilbert was found deceased. This incident involved a stray bullet that nearly hit two children in an SUV. Three suspects are tied to this case, two of whom, Victor Joseph Vasquez-Rodriguez and Jose David Vazquez-Rodriguez, are not in custody but have warrants issued for their arrest, while Raphael Joseph Rodriguez is charged with aiding an offender to avoid arrest.
Later that same day, a third shooting was reported on 15th Avenue South around 7:45 p.m. Derrick Lamont Ewing was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries at Hennepin Healthcare. Mickiah Latrell Jackson has been charged with second-degree murder with intent and possessing ammunition/firearm by a convicted violent offender, as detailed in the bulletin from the City of Minneapolis.
Chief O'Hara commended the dedication of the investigative team, stating, "These arrests and charges clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of our investigators and the power of collaboration with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners." He emphasized the complexity of the cases and expressed pride in the ongoing efforts of the officers and law enforcement partners to bring justice to the victims and their families. In response to the violence, Mayor Frey directed the deployment of all available resources to assist the community and aid in the investigation. The public is urged to submit tips through various channels, with potential financial rewards for information leading to arrests and convictions.
