A Minneapolis man is facing multiple charges in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in November 2023.
Derrick Taylor Jr., 22, of Minneapolis, faces charges of 2nd-degree murder with intent not premeditated and 2nd-degree murder without intent while committing a felony.
On November 14, 2023, Minneapolis police officers responded to a 911 call reporting multiple gunshots in the 3700 block of Newton Avenue North. The caller observed two black males fleeing from a residence and heard a vehicle speed away from the alley. Upon arrival, officers found the home vacant but in good condition, with no furniture or personal belongings. In an upstairs bedroom, they discovered a known adult male victim lying on the floor with apparent gunshot wounds. A firearm was located on the victim’s person, and forensic evidence indicated he suffered eight gunshot wounds, leading to a ruling of homicide.
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Investigators began retracing the victim’s movements and communications leading up to his death. They discovered that the victim had been in contact with an accomplice via Facebook Messenger, who had arranged to meet at the Newton residence to purchase marijuana. The accomplice was familiar with the property, which was owned by a family member of Taylor. On the night of the shooting, Taylor and two accomplices planned to rob the victim, believing he would have large amounts of marijuana or cash.
During the robbery, the victim became suspicious and opened a closet door, where Taylor and another accomplice were hiding. Taylor then fired at the victim, who was armed, but forensic analysis showed that the shell casings found at the scene did not match the victim’s weapon. After the shooting, Taylor and the accomplices fled the scene, with Taylor escaping to a waiting vehicle. Surveillance footage captured the suspects leaving the area shortly after the incident.
Taylor is currently in custody. A court date has not yet been set.
