Ramsey County (trfnews.i234.me) — A 17-year-old has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Davion Brown outside a Saint Paul tobacco shop in September 2024.
Knyaw Taw, who was 16 at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty to second-degree intentional murder. He was certified to stand trial as an adult and received a sentence of 276 months, with credit for 221 days already served
The shooting occurred on September 10, 2024, outside Maryland Tobacco at 1375 Maryland Avenue East. Surveillance footage showed Taw arriving on a bicycle, engaging in a brief conversation with individuals in a red Ford Expedition, and then approaching Brown with a firearm. Taw fired multiple rounds at close range, continuing to shoot after Brown fell to the ground.
Witnesses reported that Brown had just purchased cigars for Taw moments before the shooting. Another witness mentioned an argument between Brown and another individual about a woman before the incident.
After the shooting, Taw fled the scene on his bicycle. He was apprehended minutes later on Germain Street following a brief foot chase. A 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun, matching shell casings found at the scene, was recovered along his flight path.
At the time of the shooting, Taw had an active warrant for his arrest related to a fentanyl possession case from April 2023.
Did you know?
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In Minnesota, second-degree intentional murder carries a maximum sentence of 40 years.
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Juveniles aged 16 or older can be certified to stand trial as adults for serious offenses.
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The Saint Paul Police Department has reported an increase in youth-involved violent crimes over the past year.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.