A man has been charged in connection with the third of three deadly shootings in south Minneapolis over a 20-hour span that resulted in six deaths. Mickiah Jackson, 39, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 51-year-old Derrick Ewing.
The shooting occurred on April 30, when Ewing was shot at Lake Street and 15th Avenue South. Authorities say Jackson approached Ewing shortly after 7:30 p.m., receiving a black bag from the victim. As the two interacted, a second individual approached, prompting Ewing to attempt to flee. Surveillance footage captured Jackson extending his arms toward Ewing before the victim collapsed. Jackson was then seen running away from the scene with two others.
A witness later identified Jackson as the shooter, noting that Jackson referred to himself as “Uncle Mookie” and admitted to robbing drugs from a man named “Black” before shooting Ewing.
The killing of Derrick Ewing marked the final incident in a tragic series of shootings in south Minneapolis. The first shooting occurred on the 1500 block of East 25th Street, where four people were killed and one seriously injured. Gang member James Ortley, 34, has since been arrested and charged with multiple counts of second-degree murder in connection with that incident.
The second shooting, believed to be retaliation for the first, occurred nearby on the 2100 block of 17th Avenue South, leaving 34-year-old Tiago Gilbert dead and a nearby SUV struck by stray bullets that narrowly missed two children. Three individuals—Victor Joseph Vasquez-Rodriguez, 20, Jose David Vazquez-Rodriguez, 22, and Raphael Joseph Rodriguez, 35—have been charged in connection with the second shooting. The two younger suspects remain at large, while Rodriguez has been arrested for aiding an offender.
While the Ewing murder is not linked to the earlier incidents, authorities are continuing to investigate the spate of violence that gripped the city.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara praised the work of investigators, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement. “Each one of these cases was full of complexities and challenges,” O’Hara said. “The level of urgency, dedication, and determination is what these victims deserve, and our city needs. I am so proud of the non-stop work done every day by our officers and our law enforcement partners.”
