16-year-old charged in bus rider's death
The Hennepin County Attorney's office has charged a 16-year-old boy in the death of north Minneapolis man following a confrontation on a Metro Transit bus last week.
Prosecutors charged the boy with second-degree murder in the July 24 death of Andrew Billingsley Jr., 38. They also will seek to have the boy charged as an adult.
MPR News generally does not identify minors charged with crimes unless they're certified to be tried as an adult.
• Earlier: Bus fight led to fatal shooting in north Minneapolis
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.
Witnesses told police that Billingsley confronted the suspect and some friends about their harassment of Billingsley's son. The bus driver told police that he saw the 16-year-old draw a gun and tell Billingsley to get off the bus.
Billingsley exited the bus through the front door, while the boy left through the back door, according to the criminal complaint.
Witnesses told police that the boy then started shooting at Billingsley as he ran towards a gas station on the 2600 block of Penn Avenue North. Witnesses said the boy kept shooting until Billingsley fell to the ground.
The bus driver attempted CPR, but emergency personnel pronounced Billingsley dead at the scene.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner said that Billingsley died of multiple gunshot wounds. Police found at least six cartridge casings at the scene.
Witnesses and video on the bus identified the minor as the shooter. Police arrested him the next day.
The boy is in custody at the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 8.