On or about March 7th, 2026, Minneapolis Police responded to a report of a shooting near the corner of 15th and Nicollet Avenue, in the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Responding officers located Victim, a known adult male, laying on the front steps of an apartment building with an apparent gunshot wound to the back of his head. He was transported to a hospital where serious brain injuries were observed. As of the writing of this petition, he remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Officers obtained surveillance footage of the area. The video shows a vehicle arrive and park near the above location and four people exit. One of the individuals, later identified by a witness as Co-respondent M. C. J., who was wearing light colored pants, white shoes, a light brown or tan jacket, exited the front passenger seat. Another individual, later identified by a witness as Co-defendant AJAY JOSEPH MEYER, [DOB REDACTED], exited the driver's side rear passenger seat wearing a light colored jacket and dark pants.
And another person, who was identified as "J-Dot" by that witness and who law enforcement believe to be Co-defendant AJAY MEYER'S brother, Respondent GABRIEL JUSTICE MEYER, [DOB REDACTED], exited the right rear passenger seat wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt with a white logo running vertically up and down its back. Approximately 8 minutes later, a second vehicle arrives and parks next to the first. A male exits this vehicle and Co-respondent M. C. J. Can be seen handing him an object that is consistent in appearance with a semiautomatic handgun.
Video shows the group, including Co-respondent M. C. J., Co-defendant Meyer, and Respondent, walk from where the vehicles are parked to where Victim [NAME REDACTED]. Victim [NAME REDACTED] in this area before the group approaches. He is wearing a long-sleeved sweatshirt. The group approaches Victim, and several members of the group put their hands on Victim [NAME REDACTED]. Co-respondent M. C. J. Can be seen on video striking victim with his hand Respondent walked away carrying Victim’s sweatshirt.
A few seconds later a single muzzle flash can be seen near Victim’s head. Victim falls to the ground and the remaining group members, including Co-respondent M. C. J. And Co-defendant Meyer, run back to their vehicles and leave. On March 13, 2026, police executed a search warrant at a residence in Inver Grove Heights. Respondent and Co-defendant Meyer were both arrested at that location. Police also located a handgun and a 9- millimeter cartridge inside the home. Police are conducting forensic testing on the firearm to compare it to evidence collected at the scene of the shooting.
The defendant is in custody.
