21-Year-Old Charged in Connection to Fatal Bar Shooting in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS— A 21-year-old man from Eden Prairie has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in connection to a fatal bar shooting that occurred last month in northeast Minneapolis. The suspect, Juan Robles, is accused of killing 44-year-old Franclin Orellana.

The incident took place on December 16 at around 2:12 a.m. at the intersection of East Hennepin Avenue and 5th Street Southeast, near Conga Latin Bistro. Police responded to a call and found Orellana with multiple gunshot wounds.

According to a criminal complaint, a witness who was with Orellana at the time of the shooting stated that Robles approached him at the bar, concerned about the woman he was dancing with, who was later identified as Robles’ girlfriend. The witness claimed that he tried to avoid any problems, but Robles allegedly punched him, prompting him to leave the establishment.

The witness further told police that Robles followed him outside, brandishing a gun and making threats towards him. Security personnel at the bar intervened and advised Robles not to engage in any violent behavior. However, Robles allegedly assaulted the witness again, leading to a physical altercation between the two. Robles then fled the scene in a vehicle.

The witness stated that Orellana pursued Robles’ vehicle because he was upset about the fight. He alleged that he saw Robles point a gun at Orellana and shoot him.

On December 21, officers arrested Robles at his residence in Eden Prairie. During a search of his apartment, investigators discovered a 9mm pistol, as well as .45 caliber and .223 caliber ammunition.

Robles’ girlfriend provided a statement to the police, stating that a man had made her uncomfortable while they were on the dance floor at Conga. She informed Robles about the situation, and when they left the bar, Robles went back inside to use the restroom while she waited in the car. According to her, Robles informed her upon his return that he had gotten into a fight with the man from the dance floor.

As they were driving away, she claimed to have heard banging on the car. She retrieved her gun from the glovebox, but Robles took it from her and fired a shot out of the window. Initially, she told authorities that she threw the gun into the river, but later changed her statement, saying that Robles disposed of the firearm by throwing it off a bridge.

Robles admitted to confronting the man on the dance floor and engaging in multiple fights throughout the evening. He claimed that as he was driving away, two men ran towards his car, and his girlfriend aimed the gun over her shoulder towards Orellana. Robles acknowledged that he took the gun from her and fired a shot at Orellana.

Robles is currently being held on a $1 million bail with conditions.

Note: The video above originally aired on December 16, 2023, before charges were filed against Robles.

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