HENNEPIN COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the fourth victim in the April 29 Minneapolis mass shooting as 28-year-old LeRas Francis Rainey. Rainey succumbed to his injuries on May 1 at Hennepin Healthcare, two days after being shot in the head during an attack that has deeply affected the Native American community in Minneapolis.
The other victims were Joseph Douglas Goodwin, 17, of Minneapolis; Merelle Joan White, 20, of Red Lake; and Evan Ramon Denny, 27, of St. Paul. All were shot near the intersection of 25th Street East and Bloomington Avenue. A fifth victim, a 20-year-old woman, survived a gunshot wound to the face and identified the shooter to police.
Authorities have charged 34-year-old James Duane Ortley with four counts of second-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ortley, known by aliases “Baby J” and “Little James,” is alleged to have ties to the Native Mob gang. He is currently held at the Hennepin County Jail with bail set at $2 million.
According to the criminal complaint, Ortley was in the vehicle with the five victims when he allegedly opened fire, shooting each in the head before fleeing on foot. Surveillance footage reportedly captured a suspect matching Ortley’s description leaving the scene shortly before police arrived.
The following day, a separate shooting occurred near the Mino-Bimaadiziwin Apartments on Cedar Avenue South, resulting in the death of 34-year-old Tiago Antonio Gilbert. Authorities believe this incident may be connected to the earlier shooting.
Community leaders and tribal nations have expressed deep sorrow over the incidents, urging cooperation with law enforcement to address the surge in violence.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.
Did You Know?
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The Native Mob gang has been the subject of federal investigations, with several members convicted on racketeering charges in recent years.
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Community leaders and tribal nations have issued statements urging cooperation with law enforcement to combat gang-related violence.