A Saint Paul man shot another man in the head during a fight inside a family home, then fled the scene before returning and telling officers, “I’m going to jail,” according to charges.
Alvin James Smith, 20, faces one count of second-degree murder with intent, not premeditated, in Ramsey County District Court. The charge was filed Monday, August 31. His first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday, September 1.
According to the complaint, Saint Paul police responded to a 911 call at a residence on Park in Saint Paul at about 11:48 a.m. on August 29. The caller reported that someone had been shot in the head. Officers arrived to find the victim on the living room floor with a gunshot wound. Medics transported the victim to the hospital, where he died. The victim’s mother, his sister and his fiancé were present at the scene.
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Witnesses told officers that Smith had fired the gun and fled immediately after the shooting. They reported that Smith and the victim began arguing after the victim asked Smith to help move a television. The argument escalated into a physical fight. The victim’s mother said she tried to restrain her son, but Smith continued to approach. During the struggle, Smith pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the face.
The victim’s sister told police she tried to separate the two men as the altercation moved inside the apartment. She said the victim assaulted Smith and also punched her in the head. She heard a single gunshot but did not realize Smith had a gun until after the shooting. Police noted she had no visible injuries when interviewed.
The victim’s fiancé said she and the victim had come to the home to deliver a television. She described Smith acting as if the request to help move the TV was disrespectful, and said the argument escalated when the victim pointed out that Smith was living at the home without paying bills. She saw the two men argue, then the victim rushed at Smith. Others tried to separate them. She heard a “pop” and saw smoke near the victim’s head before he fell to the ground.
After the shooting, Smith fled the apartment. The victim’s sister called Smith, who agreed to return to the scene. During the call, Smith said he did not want to go to jail, admitted to having an illegal handgun and expressed suicidal thoughts. Officers convinced Smith to return, and he was arrested with a handgun without a serial number in his waistband.
During his arrest, Smith told officers, “He slapped me so hard in my head, and my girl, he slapped my girlfriend and I didn’t want no one to get hurt, so I used the gun that I found to defend myself.” In a later interview, Smith said the argument started because the victim called him and his girlfriend a derogatory name and complained about Smith staying at the home.
Smith said he armed himself for protection, returned to the living room and after being slapped, drew the gun, racked the slide and fired. He admitted, “I know where I f****** aimed.” Smith then fled, called friends and family to say he had killed someone and hid in a wooded area before returning.
While in custody, Smith displayed self-injurious behavior, including banging his head on a table and expressing a desire to kill himself. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner ruled the victim’s death a homicide. Court records state Smith has no prior criminal history. His first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday, September 1.
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
Ramsey County encompasses Saint Paul and is served by the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office. Felony cases are heard in the Second Judicial District at the Ramsey County Courthouse in downtown Saint Paul; the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office operates the Ramsey County Correctional Facility in Maplewood.
