A Minneapolis woman shot and killed another woman during an argument over a $50 debt inside a Minneapolis apartment.
Henrietta Shamandra Childress, 43, faces a charge of 2nd-degree murder with intent, not premeditated.
Officers responded to a shooting call at an apartment in Minneapolis on May 9, 2026. When they arrived, they found the victim, an adult female, suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to the hospital, where she was declared dead from her injuries.
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According to court records, officers spoke with the renter of the apartment, identified as a witness. Another witness told police that the victim, Childress and an unknown male were all present in the apartment. Another witness reported that Childress, whom he knew as “Hershey,” and the victim were arguing over $50.
He said he was in the bathroom when he heard shots fired, and just before the gunfire, he heard the unknown male shout, “Hershey, what are you doing?” another witness also stated he had seen Childress with a gun earlier that day.
Investigators later identified and interviewed the unknown male, referred to as another witness. Another witness told officers he was at the apartment with Childress and that the argument between Childress and the victim was about a debt. Another witness said Childress went to a bedroom, returned with a pistol and, despite his pleas to stop, fired multiple shots at the victim.
He reported running down the stairs with Childress after the shooting and said Childress threatened him before he managed to get away.
Surveillance video from the apartment building showed a woman matching Childress’s description leaving in a hurry soon after the shooting. In a post-Miranda interview, Childress initially denied knowing anything about the shooting. After being shown surveillance images, she admitted to being at the apartment at the time but denied involvement and provided no further information.
An autopsy determined the victim died from complications of multiple gunshot wounds. Childress is currently in custody.
About This Charge
In Minnesota, homicide charges fall under three degrees: § 609.185 (first-degree murder), § 609.19 (second-degree murder) and § 609.195 (third-degree murder). First-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence; second-degree convictions are presumptive 12 to 40 years; third-degree up to 25 years. The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission publishes guideline ranges that judges follow except where specific aggravating or mitigating factors are on the record.
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Jurisdictional Context
Hennepin County is Minnesota’s most populous jurisdiction. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions across Minneapolis and 45 surrounding cities; the Fourth Judicial District presides over felony arraignments and trials at the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.
