On January 24, 2026, law enforcement responded to an assault in progress near the 2600 block of Washington St. SE in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. The reporting party, a known adult male, Witness, directed officers to another known adult male, hereinafter Victim, [NAME REDACTED] on front of a residence. Witness reported he was driving along Washington ST Ne when he observed Victim stumbling along the sidewalk and "screaming for help." Witness observed Victim [NAME REDACTED], so he called the police.
A known adult female, Witness 2, was also on scene and familiar with Victim. Witness 2 informed police that Victim was a friend of her son's. Witness 2's son was identified as ELIJAH JARON MONTGOMERY- MURRELL, Defendant herein. Witness 2 confirmed that Defendant and Victim were in a fight over a phone. Due to the severity of Victim's injuries which included a swollen shut, bleeding eye with a protruding sac of what appeared to be pus as well as a nosebleed, EMS determined Victim was a "load and go" and had to be immediately hospitalized.
Officers on scene noted that Victim appeared to be "out of it" and his open eye was occasionally rolling back, further giving them concern about his wellbeing. On scene, Victim stated that Defendant punched and kicked him a lot over a cellphone. Victim could not remember many details of the assault. Victim [NAME REDACTED] had been living with Defendant for several months. Officers went to the residence and met with Defendant. Defendant allowed them to view the basement, where the altercation took place.
Officers observed blood spatter all over the floor. Defendant admitted to hitting Victim [NAME REDACTED] at least 5 times with a closed fist. Defendant reported that Victim [NAME REDACTED] at him as well but never landed a punch. Victim [NAME REDACTED] in the hospital, where investigators observed his eye to be covered in gauze. Defendant provided a post-Miranda statement and confirmed the assault, stated he "just blacked out" and that he sustained no injuries in the assault. Defendant is currently in custody.
