Police accuse couple of involvement in St. Paul shooting

After a 24-year-old man was fatally shot in St. Paul, police have been looking for clues as to who was involved. Now, nearly three months after the alleged homicide, police have charged a couple for their supposed involvement in this violent crime. The 22-year-old man was recently arrested in a Bloomington hotel room. It is unclear when the 19-year-old woman was arrested, but both were charged earlier this week.

A witness claims he saw the young man across the street open fire on his friend, fatally injuring him. According to the Pioneer Press, the witness said that he had seen the 22-year-old in a black and silver Dodge Magnum earlier that day and there was a similar looking Magnum in the area at the time of the shooting. While the witness said he made the connection between the suspect and the car that was nearby at the time of the shooting, the shooter did not attempt to escape by car, which may cast doubt on the witness’s identification of the suspect as the shooter.

The woman was arrested after police used the city’s surveillance camera to track the Magnum’s movements across the city. The video captured the woman exiting the car and heading into a residence on Conway Street prior to the shooting. Police claim that the woman provided inaccurate or misleading information. Officers allege she intentionally obstructed the homicide investigation. Police eventually charged her with aiding an offender.

After officers brought the man in, he was charged with intentional second-degree murder. Both the boyfriend and girlfriend were charged in Ramsey County District Court.

Source: Pioneer Press, “Former Inver Grove Heights couple charged in fatal St. Paul shooting,” Emily Gurnon, Dec. 13, 2011

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

You may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer even if you have not been charged. A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights when law enforcement officers are investigating you for a crime. Without a lawyer, you might say something that could be incriminating or misconstrued. Your lawyer can engage with the police or the prosecutors and provide evidence that prevents them from filing formal charges. Your lawyer can also go through your case and prepare a defense strategy if there is a possibility of you getting charged.
People arrested or charged with a crime may wonder, “How long do I have to get a criminal lawyer?” There is no strict deadline to hire a criminal lawyer in Minnesota. However, it’s advisable to hire one immediately if you get arrested, charged, or are under investigation for a crime. Getting legal representation on time protects you from making mistakes that can compromise your case. It also allows your lawyer to build a solid defense strategy that can increase your likelihood of getting a positive outcome from your case.
Continuance is what a court grants to delay proceedings. The parties in a criminal case (the prosecution and defense teams) may agree to a continuance to get more time to prepare for the proceedings. There are many reasons that push your defense lawyer in Minnesota to seek a continuance. A good example is when the other party presents surprise witnesses or evidence, requiring more time to work on a new defense. You can also request a continuance if you want to replace your lawyer, especially if you feel you are not getting sufficient representation.