A Minneapolis woman chased another woman through a north Minneapolis parking lot and shot her multiple times after a night out with friends, prosecutors say.
Jasper Nija McNeal, 31, faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm.
According to the complaint, officers responded at about 3:13 a.m. on September 5 to a business parking lot near 42nd Avenue North and Lyndale Avenue North after reports of a shooting. Officers found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds to her ankle, back and pelvis. She was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
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Witnesses told police that McNeal and the victim had been involved in an ongoing online dispute. After a kickball game, both groups gathered at a vegan restaurant before moving to the parking lot. Witnesses reported that McNeal began chasing the victim around the lot, firing multiple shots at her before fleeing in a white SUV driven by another person.
The victim later told investigators she had not spoken to McNeal that night but was told McNeal had been glaring at her. She said she was saying goodbye to friends when McNeal came around her car and started shooting. The victim tried to escape but was struck several times and fell to the ground.
According to the complaint, McNeal stood over the victim and tried to fire again, but the firearm jammed. Another individual tackled McNeal as she cleared the jam and fired another round, hitting the victim in the ankle. Witnesses believed McNeal was attempting to execute the victim before the gun malfunctioned.
Officers recovered four discharged 9 mm cartridge casings and a live 9 mm round at the scene. On September 24, officers executed a search warrant at McNeal’s residence and arrested her. During the search, officers found two boxes of 9 mm ammunition in the kitchen cupboard and another box under the bed. They also found a green notebook with handwritten notes referencing legal terms, possible sentencing outcomes and instructions about not speaking or using social media.
The charges were filed Friday, September 25, in Hennepin County District Court.
About This Charge
Minnesota’s criminal-attempt statute, § 609.17, limits punishment for attempt to no more than half the maximum for the completed offense. Attempted second-degree murder carries up to 20 years in prison.
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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.
