Man sentenced to more than 86 years for Minneapolis triple homicide

A man was sentenced to more than 86 years in prison for a triple homicide that occurred in Minneapolis in October 2024, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said.

Earl Bennett, 42, was sentenced for three counts of murder, which will be served consecutively, according to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. He was given credit for 478 days already served.

He was also sentenced for illegal firearm possession, which he will serve at the same time as the murder sentences.

Minneapolis police were called to a triple shooting at a homeless encampment near 44th Street and Snelling Avenue on Oct. 27, 2024.

Louis Mitchell Lemons Jr., 32, and Christopher Martell Washington, 38, were pronounced dead at the scene. Samantha Jo Moss, 35, was rushed to the hospital, where she died nearly a week later.

Woman dies nearly a week after triple shooting at Minneapolis encampment; suspect charged | 2 dead, 1 seriously injured following 2nd fatal encampment shooting in as many days

A witness told police that a man who identified himself as “E” asked to speak with one of the people in a tent and then started shooting 10 to 15 minutes after being allowed inside. Surveillance video showed him leaving the scene on an e-bike.

Earlier that week, authorities say Bennett shot and critically injured a man at a sober living home on Columbus Avenue South. He faces one count of attempted first-degree murder in connection with this shooting and is scheduled to make his next court appearance in this case on April 17.

Bennett was also shot by St. Paul police days after the Minneapolis shootings. Authorities say he pointed a gun at officers, who then shot him. He was brought to the hospital and recovered from his injuries. He is charged with one count of second-degree assault and one count of illegal firearm possession in connection with this incident and is scheduled to make a court appearance on March 5 for this case.