Authorities say the victim and suspects likely knew each other.
EDINA, Minn. — A fatal shooting near Southdale Mall prompted lockdowns, arrests and a shifting prosecutor review this week after three men first detained in the case were ordered released Friday.
The shooting killed John Stroud on Wednesday near West 66th Street, a busy area with shops, housing and medical facilities nearby. Prosecutors said the first three arrests did not lead to enough evidence for charges, while a fourth person arrested Thursday remains held as the suspected shooter.
Edina police responded around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday after a report of gunfire. Officers found Stroud wounded and tried to revive him. He died at the scene. Police said several suspects ran from the area, setting off a search that drew a large law enforcement presence near Southdale Mall.
Authorities arrested three men Wednesday for probable cause murder, then arrested a fourth suspect about 1:30 p.m. Thursday with help from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office West Metro Drug Task Force. Police later said they believed all suspects involved in the incident had been arrested.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said Friday that the first three men would be released. Daniel Borgertpoepping said prosecutors had worked closely with Edina police and agreed that the current evidence did not support charges against them. “This is a complex matter and the investigation will continue,” Borgertpoepping said.
The shooting disrupted a crowded part of Edina. Nearby businesses were advised to lock down, and M Health Fairview also used lockdown procedures as a precaution. Aerial footage from the area showed investigators focused near an apartment building across from the mall, which police described as transitional housing.
Investigators said they believe Stroud and the suspects were known to one another. They also said the shooting was not believed to be random. Officials have not said what led to the shooting, what weapon was used or what each detained person was suspected of doing.
The case now moves toward a charging review for the fourth suspect once Edina police formally submit the file. As of Friday, prosecutors had not announced charges, and the investigation into Stroud’s death remained open.
Author note: Last updated April 24, 2026.