It was a case that outraged the people of Minneapolis.
Melina was hit in the leg, but survived the shooting; Le’Vonte was struck in the chest and later died.
“We know that violence in any community affects everyone,” Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said in a press conference at the time, according to theStar-Tribune. “This case, however, involved the most vulnerable of our community, and that’s our children. When children are shot and killed, our entire city mourns.”
Nearly three years after the shooting, authorities have charged Chris Welch with second-degree murder in the case, saying that he fired the fatal shot. PEOPLE confirms that Welch, 34, is currently serving a federal prison term on unrelated gun charges.
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office
A different witness told investigators that Welch recognized the van as Peterson’s before he allegedly opened fire.
It was not immediately clear if Welch has entered a plea or retained an attorney to comment on his behalf.
Peterson, a convicted felon who was prohibited from carrying firearms, was later convicted of illegally possessing a gun. He wassentenced to five years in prison, theStar-Tribunereports.
Three years later, Le’Vonte’s family and friends are still coming to terms with his death — and they say the arrest will help.
“We’re thankful for those courageous witnesses that came forth and told their truth,” the family’s pastor Danny Givens, told WCCO. “At points, it may have felt or seemed hopeless, but for a mother to lose her child — you never give up hope.”
source: people.com
