Minneapolis, MN
Community activists demand action after Davis Moturi was shot by John Sawchak
MINNEAPOLIS — Community activists are demanding action a week after Davis Moturi was shot by his neighbor while doing yard work outside his south Minneapolis.
The man, identified as John Sawchak, is charged with four counts: second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault with the intent to inflict great bodily harm, stalking and harassment.
“The leadership of both the mayor and police chief are not acceptable of reforming Minneapolis Police the way they must be reformed,” said Michelle Gross, Communities United Against Police Brutality President.
The shooting happened after months of harassment nearly 20 police reports and several arrest warrants out for Sawchak.
Officers finally took the accused shooter into custody Monday following a high-stakes standoff five days after the shooting.
“The fact that a man could shoot his neighbor and sat in his house for five days with no repercussions is unacceptable,” Gross said.
Now community activists will be the ones calling for the city’s top leaders to step down during Thursday’s council meeting.
Last week, the Chief O’Hara said they were playing it safe waiting to arrest the suspect where he would be least likely to have access to firearms.
During a press conference Monday after Sawchak’s arrest, Mayor Frey said he stood by the actions of MPD.
In a statement Chief O’Hara promised a “full review” and to implement changes adding “this is the least we can do in the ongoing effort to become the department the community demands.”
Communities United Against Police Brutality demand:
-An independent 3rd party to investigate how MPD handled the matter
-the city TO immediately pay for Moturi’ medical bills
-and Police Chief O’Hara to be fired
In a statement from the mayor’s office in response to those demands,
“Mayor Frey supports the post-incident review of this tragic incident. He extends his condolences to the victim, his wife, and their family and friends.
Brian O’Hara will continue to be the Minneapolis Police Chief.”
The scene of the crash at 26th Avenue North and Emerson Avenue North in Minneapolis. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Minneapolis woman was sentenced for her role in a deadly crash that killed two women and injured two other people in December 2024.
READ MORE: Minneapolis woman charged in fatal high-speed crash faces additional charges
Woman sentenced in fatal Minneapolis crash
Big picture view:
Prosecutors say Teniki Steward drove a Buick Enclave into a bus shelter and a Ford Explorer after speeding through a red light.
Both of the women in the Ford Explorer died in the crash. They were identified as 53-year-old Ester Jean Fulks and 57-year-old Rose Elaine Reece.
During the crash, the Ford Explorer went off the road, injuring a 17-year-old boy who was waiting for a school bus.
The passenger in Steward’s vehicle also suffered injuries.
Minneapolis police said that Steward was also injured in the crash.
Steward pleaded guilty to multiple murder charges.
What they’re saying:
During the sentencing, the daughter of one of the victims had a statement read on her behalf:
“There’s nothing that can truly prepare you for the moment your entire world is taken from you. Losing my mom has left a pain in my heart that words will never be able to explain.”
What’s next:
Minnesota law requires that Steward serves at least two-thirds of her sentence, a bit under eight-and-a-half years, in prison.
Fatal Emerson and 26th crash
The backstory:
According to the criminal complaint, through surveillance videos from the scene of the crash and witnesses, investigators learned that Steward, driving the Buick Enclave, had been driving at a high rate of speed northbound on Emerson Avenue North.
Before the fatal crash, Steward sped through the intersection of Emerson Avenue North and Broadway Avenue North, running a red light and nearly causing a crash, the charges said.
Steward then continued to speed northbound down Emerson Avenue North, and ran another red light at 26th Avenue North, hitting the Ford Explorer, which was traveling eastbound, according to the complaint.
The Ford Explorer had been at the intersection of Emerson and 26th on a green light.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty shared the following statement:
“This was an egregious act that took Rose and Esther’s lives and injured a child waiting to go to school at a bus stop. Ms. Steward was driving at extremely dangerous speeds on city streets and narrowly avoided multiple collisions before the incident occurred. Third-degree murder charges are appropriate to hold her accountable and protect our community.”
The Source: This story uses information gathered from an Olmsted County court appearance and previous FOX 9 reporting.
A motorcyclist is dead after an early morning crash in Minneapolis Friday morning.
The Minnesota State Patrol said that at 1:20 a.m., a Suzuki Motorcycle going north on I-35W at Johnson Street hit the left side of the median guard rail.
The motorcycle continued north for about another quarter mile before coming to a rest on the right-hand side.
State Patrol said the rider came to rest on the left shoulder. He was later identified as 21-year-old Andrew James Neuberger.
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The Rochester Spartans boys volleyball team played its second game on consecutive nights. The Spartans beat Minneapolis Camden 3-0.
Rochester’s next game will be Tuesday, April 21, at St. Anthony Village at 7:00 p.m.
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