On or about April 21, 2026 at approximately 2:30 A.M., Hennepin County deputies assigned to the Hennepin County Medical Center (“HCMC” herein) in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, responded to a threats report from the emergency room. DEBRA KAYLESHIA FENNELL (“Defendant” herein) had been brough to HCMC via ambulance. As HCMC staff began weapons screening, Defendant began cursing at medical staff. Defendant pointed at her social worker, H. L. (“Victim” herein) and said that she had taken a picture of Victim and Defendant’s nephew would “find Victim” at a later time.
Defendant said her nephew had a gun and would shoot Victim. Defendant then said she had a “permit to carry,” and she would bring her gun to HCMC and shoot Victim. Defendant made these threats in front of a large group of people at HCMC. Victim told officers that Defendant’s statements made her concerned for her safety. After Defendant was medically cleared by HCMC staff, officers arrested Defendant and brought her to the Hennepin County jail. Officers ran routine checks and learned that Defendant does not have a valid permit to carry firearms, but Defendant stated she had access to firearms.
Defendant told officers that there were “words exchanged with HCMC staff” prior to her arrest, and she did not like the way she was treated at HCMC. Defendant admitted that she told HCMC staff that her nephew would come back and shoot people. Defendant again said she was licensed to carry a gun, and she had access to a gun. Defendant told officers that she had a lawsuit pending against HCMC, and she would assault HCMC staff if she saw them outside of HCMC. Defendant remains in custody.
