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Andy Mannix

Minneapolis crime and policing reporter | Minneapolis crime and policing
Phone: 612-673-4036

Andy Mannix covers Minneapolis crime and policing for the Star Tribune. 


Since joining the paper in 2016, Mannix has worked on beats reporting on Minnesota's courts and law enforcement at state, local, and federal levels, Minneapolis City Hall and issues related to criminal justice policy and prisons. In 2020, he was part of the team of reporters that covered the killing of George Floyd and aftermath, leading to the Star Tribune winning the George Polk Award and Pulitzer Prize. Mannix also teaches at the University of Minnesota journalism school, of which he's an alumnus. He holds a master's degree from University of California-Berkeley, where he focused on data-driven journalism. Prior to joining the Star Tribune, Mannix wrote about a variety of topics, such as crime, recreational marijuana and politics, for publications including The Seattle Times, MinnPost, City Pages and The Minnesota Daily. He lives in Minneapolis.
Recent content from Andy Mannix
How did Kid Cann become Minneapolis' most infamous gangster?

How did Kid Cann become Minneapolis' most infamous gangster?

Isadore "Kid Cann" Blumenfeld rode Prohibition to wealth and influence in the city.
Minneapolis gained a foothold this summer in its fight to bring down violent crime.

After three violent years, crime is dropping in Minneapolis

Violent crime — murder, aggravated assault, rape and robbery — is down 12% overall from last year to its lowest point of the 2020s so far, the data show. Only a record-breaking surge in auto thefts bucks the pattern.
Jeffrey Thomas, who lives nearby recounts witnessing the mass shooting the night before outside Minneapolis Market on Monday, Aug. 21. Eight people we

Police press search for 'multiple suspects' connected to weekend mass shooting in Mpls.

Eight people, including six teenagers, were injured in the shooting.
Ehsan Karam glanced at victim Holly Appell as he was fingerprinted after he was sentenced to two years in jail at the Orange County Courthouse on Thur

Twin Cities man accused of using sexual fetish as pretext for abuse pleads guilty in Fla. case

Ehsan Karam, whose story was featured in a Star Tribune investigation, has faced accusations of assault from several other women in the world of bondage, dominance, submission and sadomasochism.
“We are outraged whenever our children are victimized by senseless violence,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Wednesday.

Police: Shooting that wounded two children in Minneapolis was not random

"This shooting does not appear to be random," police said. They do not consider the wounds to be life-threatening.
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Investigator Kyle Williams, with the department’s Carjacking and Auto Thefts (CAT) unit, looked for evidence after assisti

As St. Paul reins in car thefts, Minneapolis faces record surge

About 4,700 vehicles were reported stolen across Minneapolis so far this year, averaging 24 a day — a 70% increase from this time last year.
DNA from disposable cup leads to charges in 1984 Minneapolis murder

DNA from disposable cup leads to charges in 1984 Minneapolis murder

Matthew Russell Brown, 66, is charged with murder and burglary for the slaying.
Authorities identify Canadian scuba diver found dead in St. Louis County

Authorities identify Canadian scuba diver found dead in St. Louis County

Justin James Cyril Swan's diving partner pulled him out of the water, but lifesaving efforts were not successful, according to authorities.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara spoke at a news conference Monday at Minneapolis City Hall.

MPD chief: I 'could have been clearer' in comments about officer's stun-gun incident

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara responded to emails showing he knew about the officer's past assault accusations before hiring him.
Charges: Minneapolis man shot and killed rival after seeing him with ex-girlfriend on July 4

Charges: Minneapolis man shot and killed rival after seeing him with ex-girlfriend on July 4

Ryan Deshawn Taylor, 41, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder.
New Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara took the oath of office from Minneapolis City Clerk Casey Clark in November as Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fre

Minneapolis police chief says he never saw video of new hire's use of force

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara issued a statement Sunday in response to emails that show the Police Department (MPD) and city officials knew about an…
New Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara took the oath of office from Minneapolis City Clerk Casey Clark, as Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey looked on

Emails show MPD knew about stun gun incident before hiring officer

The emails show officer Tyler Timberlake informed the city seven months before Chief Brian O'Hara said he had just learned about it.
National Guardsman who shot live ammo at driver during 2020 Minneapolis unrest is cleared of wrongdoing

National Guardsman who shot live ammo at driver during 2020 Minneapolis unrest is cleared of wrongdoing

Body-cam footage and investigative reports documenting the chaotic incident were recently made public.
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Mpls. police 'separate' with officer accused of assaulting unarmed man in previous job

Tyler Timberlake no longer works for the Minneapolis Police Department as of Wednesday.
Police sergeants and lieutenants in Minneapolis are currently in the same bargaining unit as patrol officers. Mayor Jacob Frey has said this makes sup

Minneapolis can't break up police union, state board rules

The city didn't meet the criteria to sever sergeants and lieutenants from the Police Officers Federation, the ruling said.
Seen in 2021, Andre Moore, right, said he suffers PTSD from treatment at the hands of cops who targeted him with trumped-up felony drug charges. He’

Minneapolis poised to pay $275K to man who said police beat him, lied about informant

Felony drug charges against Andre Moore were dismissed after his public defenders unraveled what a judge called "a reckless disregard for the truth" on the part of the officer.
The five killed were: Sabiriin Ali, 17, at left; Sahra Gesaade, 20, and Salma Abdikadir, 20, upper right; and Sagal Hersi, 19, and Siham Adam, 19, low

Derrick Thompson appears in court on charges of killing 5 people in reckless crash

Thompson made his first court appearance Friday at the Hennepin County Public Safety Facility in downtown Minneapolis.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, with Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara, said Friday that an investigation of the Minneapolis Pol

What happens after a police consent decree? Other cities provide lessons for Minneapolis

Consent decrees address systemic problems in police departments, but success isn't guaranteed.
Attorney General Merrick Garland is expected to be at the news conference Friday, along with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

Justice Dept. to present results of investigation into Mpls. police Friday

The city has long been bracing for the results of the investigation, prompted by the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
The study, published by the Minneapolis-based nonprofit Global Rights for Women, took three years and cites input from Minneapolis Police Department l

Minneapolis police systemically fail in response to domestic violence calls, study finds

The report recommends the Minneapolis Police Department adopt or sharpen policies to close response gaps that put victims in greater danger.
Tracy Dettling, holding a photo of her late daughter Heather Mayer, stands in the remains of a garden Mayer planted for her years ago at home in Nerst

After her daughter died in a chain used for sexual roleplay, a mother set out to find justice

Police found Heather Mayer dead in her boyfriend's basement. The circumstances of her death remain a mystery. But as her mother began digging for the truth, more women came forward with allegations of assault in the Twin Cities bondage community.
FBI agents were not wearing cameras during a hostage standoff in Minneapolis last month, which ended with agents shooting and killing Chue Feng.

Year after Biden's order on body cameras, majority of federal agents in Minnesota aren't wearing them

The Justice Department says they are phasing in cameras. Critics say it's already been too long.
Then-Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak with his mother, Lorraine Mesken, at the Varsity Theater in 2009.

Lorraine Palmer Rybak Mesken dies at 95; she had 'true grit' in face of adversity

The longtime Minneapolis resident, small-business owner, college counselor for Breck School and mother of former Mayor R.T. Rybak was known for her relentless optimism.
Minneapolis police respond to fights at DFL convention

Minneapolis police respond to fights at DFL convention

Video shows supporters of Minneapolis City Council candidate Nasri Warsame shout and rush the stage, ending the convention without a candidate endorsement.
Man dead after high-speed crash in north Minneapolis

Man dead after high-speed crash in north Minneapolis

Minneapolis police say the man appears to have crashed into a tree while driving at high speed.
Driver veers into oncoming traffic on Hwy. 52, fatally crashes into dump truck

Driver veers into oncoming traffic on Hwy. 52, fatally crashes into dump truck

A portion of the highway near Vermillion Township was closed Saturday.
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, alongside Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the House Armed Services Comm

Pentagon emails show Guard preparing hours before Third Precinct burned

The emails, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, underscore questions of why the Guard wasn't deployed to the scene of the 2020 riots earlier.
Cynthia Wilson, an employee of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Department, spoke about discrimination she’s experienced during a 2016 news confe

NAACP sues Minneapolis over police spying allegations

The lawsuit quotes heavily from a Minnesota Department of Human Rights charge, which said police spied on the NAACP and other Black community members without doing the same for white groups. The city has denied the allegations.
Lawmakers and police officials including Sheriff Dawanna Witt held a news conference to bring attention to the financial help they’re requesting for

Metro leaders say surplus aid could help recruit more police officers

Gov. Tim Walz has proposed spending $550 million of a budget surplus on public safety improvements for local agencies.
Former Minneapolis police union President Bob Kroll, shown in 2018.

Ex-MPD union head Bob Kroll can't police in 3 metro counties under settlement

Lawsuits accused Minneapolis police of unconstitutional brutality in response to demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.
Council Member Aisha Chughtai, right, spoke before the council’s 11-0 vote to approve an agreement that would provide sweeping new rules for the cit

Mpls. council unanimously approves plan to reform policing

"This is the legacy of George Floyd," Council President Andrea Jenkins said.
Police in protective gear stood guard on May 27, 2020, at the Third Precinct police station in Minneapolis.

Tentative agreement plots new future of Minneapolis policing

The proposed settlement, provided to council members Thursday, emerged from almost a year of negotiations between city staff and state officials. It addresses charges of systemic biased practices in the state's largest police department.
Minnesota Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero delivered the findings of an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department in April 2022.

Minneapolis, human rights officials nearing agreement on police bias charge

A source says the City Council could vote as soon as this week.
Steve Grove, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

DEED commissioner, incoming Star Tribune publisher Steve Grove settles journalist's lawsuit

Grove was announced as the Star Tribune's new publisher Tuesday.
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher, shown in 2019, was told to reduce the jail population because of insufficient staffing.

Ramsey County sheriff ordered to cut jail population immediately

A scathing letter from Minnesota's top corrections official says the jail has failed to comply with safety standards.
Officials from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office entered the scene of a fatal shooting Dec. 30, 2022, near U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapo

Violent crime declined in Mpls. last year, but rates still well above norm

Analysts say it's too early to say why it fell, though some credit a return to normalcy in the Twin Cities and around the nation.
Hennepin EMS Chief Martin Scheerer waved back to firefighters and EMS workers as he left a call about an unconscious person, on Aug. 20, 2022, in Minn

Facing more danger on job, paramedics send 'plea for help'

Emergency medical responders in Hennepin County say they've witnessed an unnerving rise in violence that's made the job more dangerous at a time when surging call volumes already are stretching the workforce thin.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says supervisors are less likely to discipline an officer who is on their “team,” and that breaking them up into two

Minneapolis says public backs splitting up city's police union

In three public hearings, residents said they supported creating separate unions for the rank-and-file and the supervisors.
Paul Oman was a champion barefoot water skiier.

Paul Oman, world-champion barefoot water skier, dies at 69

An avid volunteer and choir bass, Oman died from injuries sustained while training.
Cedric Alexander, with Mayor Jacob Frey in the background, told Minneapolis City Council what he brings to the table as the city’s first community s

Minneapolis safety chief says he regrets 'tone' of exchanges

"The way I engaged with constituents last night on Twitter did not meet the standards I hold for myself and the Office of Community Safety team," said Cedric Alexander, who is two months on the job, in a statement Friday.
A half-mile radius surrounding the North Side intersection, home to Merwin Liquors and a Winner Gas station, is where nearly one out of every 10 killi

Embattled north Mpls. corner long been epicenter for violence

A half-mile radius surrounding a North Side intersection, home to the embattled Merwin Liquors and a Winner Gas station known as the "murder station," is where nearly one out of every 10 killings citywide has taken place since 2010, according to a Star Tribune analysis.
Minneapolis’ Office of Community Safety worked with local, state, and federal partners on a new plan for reducing criminal activity in the city, ann

Partnership launches new Minneapolis initiative vs. violent crime

It's the latest attempt from law enforcement leaders and elected officials to convince the public they have a handle on the problem.
Man dies from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after exchanging fire with Minneapolis police

Man dies from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after exchanging fire with Minneapolis police

An officer was injured during the incident Tuesday on NE. Fifth Street.
Community members gathered Friday between Winner Gas and Merwin Liquors in north Minneapolis in an attempt to shut them down after a shooting nearby.

After overnight shootings in Minneapolis, community members want plan for peace

The spree of overnight shootings left two dead and seven injured Thursday night and early Friday.
Patrons exited the Gay 90’s as closing time approached in Minneapolis on Aug. 21.

Cash apps being targeted in phone theft scheme at Mpls. bars

A group of thieves has stolen more than 100 cell phones in downtown Minneapolis over the past 10 months in a violent scheme that targets victims' financial apps, police say. Two men have been charged.
Michelle Gross joined other activists and members of Andrew Tekle Sundberg’s family in renewing calls Wednesday for the release of more body-camera

Family of man shot by Minneapolis officers asks police for more body-camera footage

Activists question the police's narrative of events and are calling for a third party to investigate.
J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao

Thao, Kueng reject plea deal offered in George Floyd killing

"It would be a lie and a sin for me to accept a plea deal," Thao said.
A car on E. Lake Street had its rear window shot out the night of Tuesday, Oct. 12. Minneapolis police officers investigated after a ShotSpotter repor

Minneapolis gunfire claims Black victims at disproportionate rate, data show

Last year, police counted one Black shooting victim for every 150 Black residents in the city, according to new police data.
Hennepin Avenue late Saturday night.

In Minneapolis, downtown is back. So is the violent crime

Still below 2019 levels, violent offenses are creeping up in the city's downtown west neighborhood as business and night life returns to a semblance of normalcy.
Minneapolis City Council President Andrea Jenkins and Mayor Jacob Frey say they are committed to “good faith” negotiations with the state.

Minneapolis, human rights officials will negotiate agreement on police by fall

The two parties say they will amend the agreement if the Justice Department negotiates a conflicting consent decree with Minneapolis over racist policing patterns.
Minneapolis police confront 911 caller Arabella Foss-Yarbrough in this still from body camera video in the fatal standoff with Andrew Tekle Sundberg.

Mpls. police release body camera video of Sundberg shooting

The video shows police rescue a mother and her young children, but it doesn't clearly show the final moments before snipers fired.
Tekle Sundberg’s name was written in chalk at a vigil Thursday outside the apartment building where the 20-year-old was killed by Minneapolis police

Transcript paints harrowing scene before cops killed man

Six-hour standoff ended with snipers shooting Andrew Tekle Sundberg.
Two years ago, Minneapolis found itself in the global spotlight for police brutality. Now the city is looking to early-warning software as part of its

Minneapolis plans to invest in software to flag problem cops

Minneapolis wants to spend $1.25 million on new technology to help identify warning signs of bad policing. But the city has tried this before and failed.
Andrew Tekle Sundberg

Family of man killed by Mpls. police calls for more details, release of body-cam video

Speaking publicly for the first time, Mark and Cindy Sundberg, who were called to the scene during the six-hour standoff with police, said family and friends are "beyond shocked and grieving."
Police Inspector Sean McGinty of the Second Precinct speaks with attendees about safety plans moving forward during a town hall held by Minneapolis Th

After July 4th shooting, Minneapolis braces for more gun violence

Police say low staffing levels hinder their response to calls.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke at a news conference Tuesday about the events of the night of July 4th.

Gunfire hitting 7, fireworks as weapons unnerve Minneapolis

Mayor Jacob Frey calls the incidents "idiot behavior." And he said police and city leaders cannot fight this type of crime alone.
The Rev. DeWayne Davis discussed violence prevention and intervention proposals at the Minneapolis Urban League on Monday.

Citizen's group spells out plan to overhaul Minneapolis police

Proposed reforms include improved training, creating a new community safety liaison to help oversee police, expanding the city's mental health and response programs and giving more money to violence interrupters and outreach workers helping to fight rising gun crime.
St. Paul Deputy Fire Chief Roy Mokosso at the scene of Friday’s trench collapse in Highland Park that killed two workers.

St. Paul fire crews recover bodies of two workers who died in 'dirt avalanche' in trench

Fire crews spent 12 hours digging up the bodies after what authorities are calling a tragic accident.
Police responded to the shooting Tuesday.

Authorities identify woman shot to death in north Mpls. camper

Taleen Rochelle Tana, 42, died of wounds from gunfire from another vehicle Tuesday.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and interim Police Chief Amelia Huffman announced the new discipline matrix Monday at a news conference.

Frey announces new discipline grid for Mpls. officers who break rules

The updated discipline matrix includes a new category for infractions that will result in automatic termination.
In a letter Friday to Mayor Jacob Frey, Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said the city already possesses the evidence to corrobo

Mpls. to return to state talks over charges of racist policing

Six weeks ago, Minneapolis leaders pledged to cooperate with the Human Rights charge of systemic racist policing. The negotiations have since taken on an adversarial tone, making the future of a court-enforceable agreement uncertain.
Andre Moore said he suffers PTSD from the treatment at the hands of cops. Shirley Pikala, left, has been like a mother to Moore and allows him to spen

Suit: In botched drug case, Mpls. police fabricated informant and evidence

A judge threw out evidence against Andre Moore in September 2020, citing police's "reckless disregard for the truth." Moore's new lawsuit says the officers falsified evidence to raid his home.
Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero

Mpls. again asks state agency for evidence of police social media spying

In a letter, the City Attorney's Office say it needs more corroborating evidence to continue negotiations over a consent decree.
J. Alexander Kueng, left, and Tou Thao

Two former MPD officers charged in George Floyd killing ask judge to delay, relocate trial

Attorneys for Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng told Judge Peter Cahill it will be impossible to select an impartial jury in a city that just days ago marked the two-year anniversary of Floyd's death.
At a news conference, Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero called a consent decree of this nature “unprecedented” in Minnesota.

Mpls. halts police reform talks, citing lack of evidence on spying

Since releasing its damning report April 27, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has refused to release underlying evidence on covert social media spying to city officials, the media or targets of the surveillance.
Jaleel Stallings

Mpls. to pay $1.5M to man police shot from unmarked van

"The goal of the civil suit was not a check," Jaleel Stallings said. "It was getting justice and accountability. And I don't feel like I've received that."
Former Minneapolis police officer J. Alexander Kueng, center, walked out of the Hennepin County Public Safety Facility Monday afternoon with his attor

Former Minneapolis police officer says judge's courtroom restrictions violate constitutional right to open trial

The attorney for J. Alexander Kueng objected to an order to keep the public out of the courtroom.
The Minneapolis City Council agreed to pay $133,600 to former Minneapolis police officer Colleen Ryan, left, and $70,000 to former Deputy Chief Art Kn

Mpls. to pay $200K to settle complaints by former officers

Colleen Ryan alleged she was denied promotion because she's an openly gay woman, while former Deputy Chief Art Knight alleged his demotion was retaliatory.
In April, Minneapolis City Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw addressed participants at a community listening session she hosted to hear citizen concerns a

What do Mpls. residents want in next police chief? Integrity, public safety, accountability

Some want internal reform. Others say gun violence should be the top priority. They all agree that picking the next police chief is among the most important decisions Minneapolis will make in 2022.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger spoke Tuesday about how law enforcement will be dealing with violent crime across the Twin Cities.

Minnesota's top federal prosecutor announces crackdown on carjackings, guns, gangs

Responding to the recent crime wave in the Twin Cities, Andy Luger said he will devote all criminal prosecutors in his office to violent crime cases.
Colleen Larson

2 charged in ambush shooting of Mpls. police employee near child-care center

Prosecutors say Timothy Amacher and Colleen Larson plotted to shoot Nicole Lenway, leaving her badly injured, after a custody battle.
The safety-net hospital system, based in downtown Minneapolis, is responsible for some of the Twin Cities’ most vulnerable patient populations.

FDA won't disqualify HCMC doctors from research over sedative studies

The FDA denied a petition to take harsh action against doctors who subjected patients to "significantly increased risk" in experimental drug research.
In this Star Tribune file photo, police officers deploy to disperse protesters in the Target parking lot near the Minneapolis 3rd Police Precinct, fol

Dept. of Human Rights report on MPD: A decade of leadership failed in proper police oversight

Investigators say elected officials and top police brass didn't do enough to stop a pattern of racist policing.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other city leaders held a news conference Wednesday on the Minnesota Department of Human Rights findings.

Report: Minneapolis police engaged in pattern of illegal racial discrimination

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigation found the Police Department has violated the civil rights law, and multiple iterations of city leaders failed to hold officers accountable for misconduct.
Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill addressed the court in April 2021 during the Derek Chauvin trial.

Trial of 3 former officers in Floyd death won't be livestreamed

With COVID-19 restrictions loosening, Judge Peter Cahill ruled Minnesota law doesn't support the option of broadcasting the trial.