Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis Linked to Retaliation for Alleged Robbery

Strategic Insights -

Melvin D. Paul Jr., a 28-year-old father of five, was fatally shot in Minneapolis on March 9 after a car containing Deandre Q. Austin and Andrew L. Barnes, both 19, began shooting at him as he drove down Dupont Avenue N. at around 2:30 p.m. According to charges filed in Hennepin County District Court, Paul's killing was in retaliation for a robbery committed by his brother two weeks earlier. Witnesses stated that Barnes was driving and Austin was a passenger in the car from which the shots were fired. Austin admitted to being responsible for the shooting, claiming that Paul's brother had robbed him.

Key Takeaways:

  • Melvin D. Paul Jr., a 28-year-old father of five, was fatally shot in Minneapolis on March 9 after a car containing Deandre Q. Austin and Andrew L. Barnes began shooting at him.
  • The killing was allegedly in retaliation for a robbery committed by Paul's brother two weeks earlier.
  • Austin admitted to being responsible for the shooting and claimed that Paul's brother had robbed him.
  • Paul had fled to Minneapolis from New Orleans in September after watching floodwaters invade his home; he had been trying to build a better life for himself and his children.
  • Paul's family members were in shock after his death and were particularly perplexed when they learned that his death was linked to the robbery committed by his younger brother.
  • Three of Paul's children who were living in the Twin Cities have since moved to Texas and Arkansas to live with their respective mothers.
  • Austin and Barnes are charged with second-degree murder and are currently in custody.

Statistics:

  • 2:30 p.m.: The time when the shots were fired at Melvin D. Paul Jr. while he was driving down Dupont Avenue N.
  • March 23: The date when charges were filed in Hennepin County District Court against Deandre Q. Austin and Andrew L. Barnes.
  • September: The month when Melvin D. Paul Jr. fled to Minneapolis from New Orleans after watching floodwaters invade his home.
  • 2 weeks: The time frame between the alleged robbery committed by Paul's brother and the fatal shooting of Melvin D. Paul Jr.

Sources:

  • Chao Xiong; Staff Writer (Minnesota Star Tribune)
  • Melvin D. Paul Jr.'s charges file in Hennepin County District Court.