On May 25, 2026, at approximately 6:22 P.M., law enforcement officers were dispatched to the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota on a report of a stabbing. The victim was identified as M. G. He was located in the area and was holding a rag to his neck that had red stains on it. He was transported to the hospital. At 6:43 P.M., an officer arrived in the area of 14th Street and Elliot Avenue, and a male approached the officer’s squad window.
This male was subsequently identified as BRADEN JAMES EASLEY [DOB REDACTED]. He made a statement about a stabbing near Chicago Avenue and Franklin Avenue. The officer indicated he was aware of the stabbing. EASLEY then stated, “that was me”. EASLEY then clarified he was the one who stabbed the other person. EASLEY was placed under arrest. A knife was located in his back pocket. Blood-like substance was observed on EASLEY’S pant legs as well as on the knife located on his person. EASLEY agreed to provide a Mirandized statement.
EASLEY said he was on a four- or five-day bender. He had been using alcohol and cocaine for the last four days and came to the area looking for beer and cocaine. When he was there, he was talking to someone who stabbed him in the past. EASLEY reported he was tired of running away from this guy, so he “cut him.” EASLEY clarified that he cut the victim in the neck with the knife he had on him when he was arrested. Surveillance video of the stabbing was reviewed. At 6:11 P.M., M. G. Walked eastbound on the north side of Franklin Avenue from Chicago Avenue.
EASLEY and M. G. Had a confrontation where they appeared to square up to each other, both with cutting instruments. They went back and forth towards each other for a period of time without making contact. Each had room to retreat. EASLEY was then observed bringing his arm to M. G.’s neck. They continued to square up to each other, and EASLEY still had a knife in his hand that was extended. M. G. Then retreated to a doorway where others were seen approaching him with cloths to apply to his neck. EASLEY is currently in custody in the Hennepin County Jail.
