Minneapolis, Minnesota – The shocking and brutal killing of a beloved grocery store cashier has left the Loring Park neighborhood in mourning. The victim, 66-year-old Robert Skafte, was described as a friendly and familiar face at the Oak Grove Grocery for decades. Friends, neighbors, and community members were left shocked and saddened by the gruesome crime that took place on a Friday afternoon.
The suspect, a 44-year-old individual with a history of mental illness, allegedly attacked Skafte with a golf club, which led to the fatal injuries. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the suspect gathered items in the store before approaching the counter and assaulting the victim. The motive behind the attack has not been identified, and the chief described the incident as “horrific and absolutely senseless.”
Following the attack, the suspect barricaded himself in an apartment building across the street, leading to a six-hour standoff with law enforcement before his arrest. This tragic event marks the 66th homicide in Minneapolis so far in 2023, according to data from the Star Tribune. It also represents the fourth homicide in the past week.
Skafte was not just a grocery store cashier; he was also a known figure in the local arts community. As a talented dancer who performed on stages across the Twin Cities, he left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Friends, colleagues, and community members continue to express their grief and shock over the loss of a beloved individual in the Loring Park neighborhood.
The suspect, who was known to have called 911 in the past and refused to provide further information, had a history of mental illness and had been civilly committed for mental health issues. However, prior to the attack, he had no known criminal history in Minnesota.
As the community continues to grapple with this senseless tragedy, the memory of Robert Skafte lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him. The impact of this loss has undoubtedly reverberated throughout the Loring Park neighborhood and beyond.