Minneapolis is reeling from a series of violent events that have resulted in multiple deaths and an arrest. In a recent development, the Minneapolis Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a mass shooting that left four people dead. Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that James Duane Ortley, 34, has been taken into custody and faces charges for probable cause murder. In a statement obtained by the City of Minneapolis, Chief O’Hara expressed gratitude towards the law enforcement partners and emphasized the intensive investigation into the incident. Unfortunately, the fourth victim, a 28-year-old man, died after being hospitalized since the April 29th shooting.
Details of the tragedy emerged after police responded to ShotSpotter activations on the 1500 block of East 25th Street on the night of April 29. One adult male was found critically injured on the sidewalk, while inside a nearby vehicle, two other men and two women were all found suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by the officers, three of the individuals succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Initially reported as a targeted and possibly gang-related shooting, the investigation has been ongoing with the MPD seeking any information from the public to help piece together the sequence of events.
Mayor Jacob Frey also addressed the devastating impact these events had on the community. “My heart goes out to the family and friends of the victim we lost today,” he said, acknowledging the swift actions of law enforcement and the community in responding to the senseless act of violence. The community’s support is seen as indispensable, with law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office playing critical roles. They are spearheading the ongoing efforts to engage the public in sharing any relevant information through various channels, including a dedicated email and phone line, as well as an anonymous tip system managed by CrimeStoppers…