Minneapolis man charged in 2024 fatal shooting
Published: May 1st 2026
MINNEAPOLIS: A Minneapolis man is now facing second-degree murder charges in connection with a June 1, 2024 shooting that left an adult male dead, according to a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County.
Donell Odell Jones is charged with second-degree murder with intent, not premeditated, under Minnesota Statute 609.19.1(1), and second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony under Minnesota Statute 609.19.2(1). Both charges carry a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, officers with the Minneapolis Police Department were called on June 1, 2024, to the area of 34th Avenue North between James Avenue North and Knox Avenue North in Minneapolis. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male lying on the ground next to his vehicle with gunshot wounds to his arm and abdomen. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and seeing two men near the victim’s vehicle before both fled northbound through an alley. One male was described as wearing all black and carrying a large duffel bag, while the other was described as wearing a red sweatshirt and was seen inside the victim’s vehicle prior to fleeing.
Officers recovered the victim’s cell phone in an alley near 3430 Knox Avenue North. Inside the vehicle, investigators located discharged cartridge casings, along with the victim’s belongings. A fingerprint lifted from the passenger-side door matched Jones, according to the complaint.
Investigators also reviewed the victim’s phone and identified messages arranging a marijuana transaction shortly before the shooting. The complaint states a meeting was set near 35th Avenue North and Knox Avenue North, and the shooting occurred minutes after the victim arrived.
An autopsy determined the victim died from multiple gunshot wounds, including fatal injuries to vital organs and significant internal bleeding.
According to the complaint, the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered during an August 10, 2024 traffic stop. DNA testing completed in April 2026 indicated Jones’ DNA was included in a mixture found on the pistol.
Investigators later spoke with an individual identified as L.T., who told law enforcement he helped arrange the drug transaction between the victim and Jones. L.T. reported that Jones later stated “things went left and shots were fired,” according to the complaint. Authorities confirmed L.T. was at work at the time of the shooting.
Jones was arrested on April 30, 2026, and was allegedly in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest. He remains in custody.
The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.