On August 11, 2023, Minneapolis police responded to a mass shooting in the back yard of a private residence on the 2200 block of 16th Avenue South, located in the city of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, State of Minnesota. Responding Officers encountered numerous individuals suffering from gunshot wounds and one person who died from his injuries. The mass shooting occurred as a local band was finishing a concert for a crowd of 30-50 people. Witnesses identified the gathering as a LGBTQ+-friendly community and the victims included people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer.
Witnesses identified the shooters as two males who were not part of the community, but who had come to the concert and interacted with multiple people in the minutes before the shooting. A complex investigation involving witness statements, forensic evidence, video surveillance, and other work identified the two shooters. One shooter was identified as Defendant herein, Cyrell Ernest Boyd (a.k.a. “Cy,”), born on [DOB REDACTED]. He was reported to be wearing a black hoodie and black track pants during the incident.
The identity of the second shooter is known to police. At the scene of the shooting, Officers encountered at least 7 victims who suffered gunshot wounds. Victim 1 suffered a gunshot wound to his back and died shortly after law enforcement arrived. Victim 2 received a gunshot wound to his thigh. Victim 3 received a gunshot wound to his left shin. Victim 4 received a gunshot wound to her right thigh. Victim 5 received a gunshot wound to his leg. Victim 6 suffered a gunshot to his torso and needed to have one of his kidneys removed.
His appendix, intestine, and liver were also injured by the bullet. Victim 7 received a bullet graze wound to his cheek. Officers also identified and spoke with Witness 1 and Witness 2, who were both at the concert and interacted with Defendant and co-defendant. Witness 1 reported that she and Witness 2 were at the party when two males they did not know approached. These males were identified through the investigation as Defendant and co-defendant. Witness 1 explained that Defendant and co-defendant began to “hit” on her.
Witness 1 reported that both males made “insensitive” comments towards her when she rebuffed their advances. Witness 1 described the interaction as “hostile” and said that after she commented on the fact they had guns, one of them said “we're not going to use the gun or anything, but if need-be we will.” Witness 2 also observed Defendant and co-defendant flashing guns and said that the co-defendant made insensitive comments after learning the witnesses were lesbians. Other witnesses at the party reported they overheard the Defendant and co-defendant utter derogatory epithets about the sexual orientation of the concert attendees.
