Hennepin County, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — In a significant development in a Minneapolis homicide case, 24-year-old Megan Renee Karjala has pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated robbery. As part of a plea agreement, she will testify against co-defendant Vernon Sirhyde Archie, who faces charges of second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony.
Karjala admitted to luring 28-year-old Da’Vonte Jovan Adams to a location on 5th Avenue North in Minneapolis on May 17, 2024, under the guise of a date arranged through a dating app. Upon Adams’ arrival, Karjala and Archie confronted him with the intent to steal his vehicle. When Adams attempted to flee, Archie allegedly shot him multiple times. Karjala then held Adams at gunpoint while Archie retrieved his car keys, and the pair fled in Adams’ red Chevy Suburban.
Adams was found critically wounded and later died at Hennepin County Medical Center. Investigators recovered .45 caliber shell casings at the scene, which matched a Springfield pistol found in Karjala’s possession days later. DNA evidence and surveillance footage further linked both suspects to the crime.
Under the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the murder charge against Karjala and recommend a 57-month prison sentence, the maximum under sentencing guidelines for her conviction. Had she been convicted of the original murder charge, she faced up to 40 years in prison.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.
Did You Know?
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In Minnesota, first-degree aggravated robbery carries a presumptive sentence of up to 57 months, depending on criminal history.
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Second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony is punishable by up to 40 years in prison under Minnesota law.
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The use of dating apps to facilitate criminal activity has been a growing concern, leading to increased awareness and safety measures.