3 indicted in drive-by shooting; victim wasn't target, police say
A grand jury in Ramsey County has indicted three men in a 2012 fatal drive-by shooting.
Authorities say the three men opened fire on a house in St. Paul, riddling the home with bullets and killing 56-year-old Leonard Christian Sr., the unintended target. Police believe the shooting was gang-related and that the men were targeting Christian's son.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports 22-year-old Desean Thomas and 23-year-old Juan Martinez are charged with first-degree premeditated murder for the benefit of a gang. Twenty-two-year-old Ramone Smaller is charged with aiding an offender.
Christian is described as a soft-spoken man who was proud of his family painting business.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.