– Men charged in Minneapolis murder still on the run
– Two suspects in north Minneapolis murder still at large.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Two Men Charged in Connection to Murder of 37-Year-Old Man in North Minneapolis

By WCCO Staff | January 20, 2024

Overview

Two men, Lavester Breham and Dandre Franklin, have been charged with second-degree murder in connection to the killing of a 37-year-old man in north Minneapolis last month. The victim, Mikiyel Deshone Patton, was found seriously injured inside a car on the 900 block of Newton Avenue North on the evening of December 19, 2023, and was pronounced dead at the scene. The police investigation led them to believe that the shooter fled into an abandoned home nearby, but no one was found inside during the subsequent SWAT team raid.

Surveillance Video and Investigation

Police obtained surveillance video from the area, which showed a Honda CR-V arriving at the scene before muzzle flashes were seen coming from inside the vehicle. The video allegedly captured one man exiting the car while another ran up and fired a single gunshot into it before both men fled. Investigators discovered that the vehicle involved in the crime was part of a separate ATF investigation, and both Breham and Franklin were associated with it.

As part of the ATF’s investigation, a camera had been placed near a house in Brooklyn Park where the two men were known to stay. Footage from the camera showed Breham and Franklin cleaning the CR-V approximately two hours before the murder. The cleaning appeared to focus on areas that the defendants might touch, such as the door handles, and both men were wearing gloves during the process.

Connection to the Crime Scene

Using location data from the men’s cell phones, investigators were able to connect both Breham and Franklin to the scene of the murder. After the shooting, the two men traveled to Prior Lake, where Franklin’s girlfriend lived. They allegedly drove a BMW to her house before returning the car to a dealership, as it was a loaner vehicle.

DNA Analysis and Charges

Cartridge casings collected from the crime scene were subjected to DNA comparison analysis. The analysis revealed that Franklin’s DNA was a major male profile in a DNA mixture from two individuals, while Breham’s DNA was a possible contributor to a mixture of DNA from three individuals. Based on the evidence, both men have been charged with second-degree murder.

Legal Consequences

If convicted, Lavester Breham and Dandre Franklin could face a minimum sentence of three years for their involvement in the murder. The investigation is ongoing, and the men have yet to be arrested.

Conclusion

The murder of Mikiyel Deshone Patton in north Minneapolis has led to the charging of Lavester Breham and Dandre Franklin with second-degree murder. The investigation, which included surveillance video, DNA analysis, and cell phone location data, has connected the two men to the crime scene. As the legal process continues, the potential consequences for Breham and Franklin could result in a minimum of three years in prison if found guilty.