Minneapolis, Minnesota — A violent shooting incident earlier this week has left four people dead and has shaken the community to its core. The toll from the shooting, which occurred on Tuesday, has escalated, with police announcing a fourth victim’s death on Friday.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as 17-year-old Joseph Goodwin, 27-year-old Evan Denny, and 20-year-old Merelle White. The fourth victim, a 28-year-old man, was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the shooting. Family members identified him as Leras Rainey, a confirmation provided by the medical examiner on Sunday.
Law enforcement officials disclosed that Rainey succumbed to his injuries shortly after the arrest of 34-year-old James Duane Ortley, who is suspected in the shooting. Ortley was apprehended on Thursday by an FBI SWAT team and the U.S. Marshals North Star Fugitive Task Force on the 1600 block of South Fourth Street.
Following his arrest, Ortley was charged with three counts of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, and one count of illegal firearm possession. However, authorities intend to update the charges to include a fourth count of second-degree murder.
“This shocking act of violence has left families mourning and our community scarred,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated. “We are devoted to using our resources effectively to shield our community from further harm.”
Court documents have revealed that all five shooting victims sustained head injuries, discovered either in or near a vehicle. While three victims were declared dead at the scene, two others were transported to hospitals, with Rainey dying from his injuries later on.
One victim managed to communicate with law enforcement despite serious injuries, alleging that there was only one shooter. This individual identified the shooter with several street names, including “Baby J” and “Little J.” Witnesses corroborated this narrative, linking the shooting to Ortley, who reportedly identified himself with a similar street name during a previous police interview.
The criminal complaint also highlights Ortley’s connections to the Native Mob, a street gang operating in the southern Minneapolis area. Family members of the victims indicated that all five had gathered at a friend’s home before deciding to pick up Ortley, who was reportedly a close acquaintance of the group.
In addition to this tragic incident, the shooting was part of a larger wave of violence that impacted Minneapolis within a 24-hour period. Preliminary reports indicate that the deaths of two other individuals, identified as 34-year-old Tiago Antonio Gilbert, and 51-year-old Derrick Lamont Ewing, might also be linked to the recent spate of shootings. Gilbert was shot on a South Minneapolis street, while Ewing was gunned down at a different location hours later.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has urged community members to come forward with any information related to these violent events. They can reach out via email or contact CrimeStoppers to share tips anonymously.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the profound impact of these tragedies. Efforts are underway to ensure that those responsible are held accountable while providing support to the grieving families.