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May 7, 2025 (MINNEAPOLIS) – Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara announced today that arrests or charges have been made in connection with six homicides resulting from three recent shooting incidents.
Incident 1: East 25th Street (GO #25-112008)
On April 29, just before midnight, officers responded to 911 calls and ShotSpotter activations at the 1500 block of East 25th Street. They found five victims. Evan Ramon Denny (27), Joseph Douglas Goodwin (17), and Merelle Joan White (20) were pronounced dead at the scene. LeRas Francis Rainey (28), and an unidentified woman were transported to the hospital. LaRas Francis Rainey later died at the hospital on May 1.
On May 1, James Duane Ortley (34) was arrested and charged with five counts of Murder - 2nd Degree - With Intent-Not Premeditated and one count of Possessing Ammo/Firearm by a Convicted Violent Offender.
Incident 2: Cedar Avenue South (GO #25-112451)
On April 30 at 1:00 p.m., officers found Tiago Antonio Gilbert (34) with life-threatening gunshot wounds on the 2100 block of 17th Avenue South. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A stray bullet also struck an SUV, narrowly missing two young children.
Charges have been filed against three suspects:
- Victor Joseph Vasquez-Rodriguez (20) - Murder - 2nd Degree - With Intent-Not Premeditated (Not in custody; warrant issued)
- Jose David Vazquez-Rodriguez (22) - Murder - 2nd Degree - With Intent-Not Premeditated (Not in custody; warrant issued)
- Raphael Joseph Rodriguez (35) - Aiding an Offender to Avoid Arrest - Harbor/Conceal (In custody)
Incident 3: 15th Avenue South (GO #25-112872)
On April 30 at 7:45 p.m., officers responded to gunfire on the 3000 block of 15th Avenue South. They discovered Derrick Lamont Ewing (51) with life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Hennepin Healthcare, where he later died.
On May 6, Mickiah Latrell Jackson was arrested and booked. He has been charged with Murder - 2nd Degree - With Intent-Not Premeditated and Possessing Ammo/Firearm by a Convicted Violent Offender
“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.” said Chief Brian O’Hara. “Each one of these cases was full of complexities and challenges. The level of urgency, dedication, and determination is what these victims deserve, and our city needs. I am so proud of the non-stop work done every day by our officers and our law enforcement partners.”
5-7-2025 MR 25-112008 - 25-112451 - 25-112872 - Minneapolis Police Announce Arrests and Charges in Six Recent Homicides.pdf
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Minneapolis Police Investigating the Fifth Homicide in 24 Hours
May 1, 2025 (MINNEAPOLIS) – Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed a third fatal shooting incident in less than 24 hours, bringing the total number of homicides during that span to five.
First Incident – East 25th Street
Shortly before midnight on April 29, officers responded to multiple 911 calls and ShotSpotter activations in the 1500 block of East 25th Street. They discovered five victims. Two men and one woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Another man and woman sustained injuries and were transported for emergency medical care. (GO #25-112008)
Second Incident – Cedar Avenue South
At approximately 1:00 p.m. on April 30, officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 2100 block of Cedar Avenue South. A man in his 30s was found lying in the street with life-threatening gunshot wounds. He died at the scene. A bullet from this incident also struck an unrelated SUV, narrowly missing two small children seated in the back. (GO #25-112451)
Third Incident – 15th Avenue South
Around 7:45 p.m. on April 30, officers were alerted to gunfire in the 3000 block of 15th Avenue South via ShotSpotter. Responding officers found a man in his 50s with life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was transported to Hennepin Healthcare, where he later died. (GO#25-112872)
There have been no arrests. Investigators are working to determine whether these incidents are connected. Initial information suggests none of the shootings appears to be random.
“The level of violence this city has experienced in less than 24 hours is infuriating. Each individual act causes immense grief and tears families apart,” O’Hara said. “The MPD has deployed additional resources to increase police presence in the areas most affected. We’ve met with community leaders to hear their concerns and identify urgent, collaborative strategies for a strong community and law enforcement response. That work will continue in the days ahead. We must confront this head-on—and together.”
In response to these incidents, Minneapolis Mayor Frey has directed the Office of Community Safety (OCS) and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) to deploy every available resource to bring the perpetrators to justice and support the community. The City and MPD are working closely with all available federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Minneapolis Neighborhood Community Relations (NCR) is collaborating with MPD, OCS, and the Native community. Additional patrols and technical resources have been added in the Phillips neighborhood, and efforts are underway to identify potential community needs for trauma response that the city could support.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner will release the names of the deceased and the official causes and manners of death.
How to Submit a Tip
Anyone with information is encouraged to email policetips@minneapolismn.gov or leave a voicemail at 612-673-5845. To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit www.CrimeStoppersMN.org. Tips that lead to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a financial reward.
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