A bartender at Born’s Bar in St. Paul, Erica Hampton, has been charged in connection with a shooting that occurred outside the bar on October 30. The victim, a 42-year-old man, was robbed and shot after what appeared to be a coordinated effort involving Hampton and another man. The victim was initially able to speak with police, but he later went into cardiac arrest and is not expected to survive.
According to the criminal complaint, the incident unfolded around 3:45 p.m. when the victim went to Born’s Bar on Rice Street. He spoke to investigators at the hospital the following day, explaining that a short man, whom he recognized but did not know, had asked him for a cigarette. The group of individuals with the man had their hoods up, which the victim noted because it wasn’t cold outside.
The victim said he was then attacked, with several people involved. He recalled being knocked to the ground, with his money—around $4,500—being taken from his pockets. He had planned to buy a bicycle with the cash. During the altercation, someone yelled, “Pop his (expletive)!” and the victim was shot in the stomach.
Officers arrived at Born’s Bar around 5:45 p.m. and found the victim lying on the ground with a gunshot wound just below his navel. Medics took him to Regions Hospital, where he underwent surgery. At the scene, police discovered broken silver and gold necklaces, a cross pendant, and an iPhone.
Further investigation revealed key evidence. The victim had paid for his drinks in cash, and he told police that Hampton had been “overpouring” his drinks. Authorities later found a wallet at the scene that did not belong to the victim. It contained the driver’s license of Edward G. Robinson, 43, of St. Paul. Robinson’s iPhone was also found on the ground.
Robinson’s phone revealed that Hampton, who has a son with Robinson, had called him around 4 p.m., just before the shooting. Bar surveillance video captured her with a phone to her ear while mixing drinks, which further tied her to the incident.
Hampton, along with the man involved in the robbery, now faces charges, and two other individuals are also under investigation. Their cases are sealed pending arrests.
The incident highlights the dangers of bar-related violence and the ongoing investigation into the events surrounding the shooting.