Minneapolis, MN
Parents of Deveall McClendon still seeking justice
MINNEAPOLIS — More than two years after a deadly Minneapolis shooting, the parents of 25 year-old Deveall McClendon are still seeking justice for his murder.
“It’s a nightmare, you know… it makes me go down my past to say ‘Hey God! Did I do anything wrong?’ said Derek McClendon, father of the late Deveall McClendon.
Derek and Laleta McClendon are still in disbelief after what they believe was the random shooting of their son in 2023.
“He was the kid that you would want to marry your daughter,” said McClendon.
Minneapolis Police say Deveall was shot six times while driving near the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Investigators say the bullets came from another vehicle. A man was later charged with his murder but those charges were dropped after prosecutors said they didn’t have enough evidence to convict.
“It’s a total slap in the face being that my husband works in law enforcement,” said Laleta McClendon.
Charging documents stated that the suspect’s Snapchat location mirrored the path of the shooter’s car as seen in surveillance video. But defense attorneys argued the data showed the closest he got was a half a mile away.
“That’s the same vicinity, right?” McClendon added. “They dropped the ball big time on this case,” said Laleta McClendon.
In a statement after the charges were dropped the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office told us:
“Mr. McClendon’s family is experiencing unimaginable pain and we are deeply sorry for their loss. We have had close contact with them throughout this process and will continue to as the investigation into this senseless tragedy continues. We continue to work with MPD to build sufficient evidence to hold anyone involved in this murder accountable for their actions.”
On Saturday, the Minneapolis Police Department says:
“The MPD has remained in close contact with the family throughout this challenging investigation. No family should have to endure the pain of an unresolved tragedy. We are disappointed for the family regarding the charging decision. Currently, there are no new updates available.”
The McClendon’s say they’ll continue to push for answers.
“Nothing has been done, no calls have been made,” Laleta McClendon told WCCO. “We just want justice and I won’t let it die down.”
WCCO reached out to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for any updated comment and did not hear back.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed a new ordinance that carries a ban on assault weapons but won’t take effect unless there are major changes to state law.
Minneapolis gun ban ordinance signed
What we know:
The Minneapolis City Council approved the ordinance during its meeting last week.
The firearm regulations ordinance includes a ban on assault weapons, ghost guns, binary triggers, and high-capacity magazines. The ordinance also includes safe storage provisions for firearms.
Big picture view:
Many of the provisions in the law won’t go into effect unless there is a change in state law. Currently, Minnesota law prevents municipalities from enacting gun regulations.
Minnesota law only allows cities to bar the discharge of firearms within city limits and adopt regulations that are identical to state laws. Any regulations that go beyond state law are voided, according to state statute.
Local perspective:
Action on the gun ordinance was spurred by last year’s shooting at Annunciation Church and School. Two students were killed while attending morning mass at the church and more than two dozen students and parishioners were hurt in the barrage of gunfire.
Last week, parents of Annunciation students spoke out in support of the ordinance at a public hearing.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus threatens lawsuit
The other side:
Last year, St. Paul passed a similar law. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus filed a lawsuit shortly after the ordinance was signed. Arguments were heard last month on the case and a judge has set a trial for next year.
In a statement last week, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said it was evaluating its legal options in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus Chair Bryan Strawser said:
“The City of Minneapolis is attempting to make a political statement with an ordinance it has no legal authority to enact. Minnesota law clearly preempts the entire field of firearms regulation, and local governments cannot simply ignore state statute because they dislike the policy outcome.
“If the City Council moves forward with this unlawful ordinance, we will evaluate every available legal option to challenge it, just as we did in Saint Paul.
“The law is not optional, even for Minneapolis.”
A man was hurt in a shooting in south Minneapolis late Tuesday night, according to police.
A report of shots fired brought officers to the 2600 block of Third Avenue South around 9:50 p.m., the Minneapolis Police Department said. They found evidence of gunfire and began investigating.
Later, a man with survivable gunshot wounds showed up at Hennepin Healthcare.
No one has been arrested.
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