Recent content from Chao Xiong
St. Paul man expected to get nearly 50 years in prison for killing pregnant woman and baby
Zachary V. Robinson, 27, pleaded guilty Thursday in Hennepin County District Court to two counts of second-degree murder.
St. Paul man convicted in 1991 Minneapolis murder
DNA evidence linked Donald C. Jenkins Jr. to the crime.
![“We don’t want to hold anybody [in jail] unless it’s absolutely necessary. No one should be punished for being poor.” Hennepin County Attorney](https://chorus.stimg.co/22153283/ows_e1e53517_af88_4a9b_b4bd_6b2edf43d798.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Hennepin County prosecutor to end bail for several low-level offenses
Critics say the policy, which goes into effect Jan. 1., won't result in meaningful change.
Prosecutors challenge livestreaming of Floyd trial, arguing it could limit testimony
Prosecutors ask judge in Floyd killing to rescind order allowing recording.
Mike Freeman offers to cut Myon Burrell's prison term by 15 years
The offer would not affect a life term with the possibility of parole.
Judge rejects Chauvin divorce agreement, citing possible fraud
A divorce settlement that would have given most of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s assets to his wife was rejected by a judge who…
Three finalists named for Hennepin County chief public defender
Three finalists for Hennepin County chief public defender have been selected for interviews next month.The Minnesota Board of Public Defense announced the finalists Thursday: Kassius…
Charges: Minneapolis victim identified shooter before dying
A Minneapolis man used his dying breath to identify the friend who shot him in October, according to murder charges filed Wednesday.Brent D. Buchan, 23,…
Mpls. officer admits to using 'deception' to question, arrest alleged murder accomplice
Investigator admits using "deception" to question the defendant.By CHAO XIONG chao.xiong@startribune.com
Charges: Former probation officer abused job to aid murder suspect
Prosecutors link Elsa Segura to Dec. 31 murder.
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Election protesters shined laser in officer's eyes, kicked another in groin, charges say
Women said to have pointed a laser at officer's eyes, kicked cop in groin.
Ex-officers charged in Floyd killing will be tried together in Minneapolis
Derek Chauvin, J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao will start trial on March 8 in the downtown courthouse. The judge said he would allow cameras in the courtroom and will sequester the jury for safety.
Minneapolis man charged with murder in Crystal shooting
Maricio Mata-Thelen, 26, of St. Paul, died from a gunshot wound to his neck. He was killed in Crystal.
Ex-Mpls. officers will go to trial, with a charge vs. Chauvin dropped
After a judge dropped a third-degree murder charge against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and ruled three others will remain charged with aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter, Gov. Tim Walz activated the National Guard.
Defense attorney in George Floyd case renews call to move trial after protester arrests
Thomas Plunkett, who represents J. Alexander Kueng, filed a motion to submit videos of two incidents to the court to reinforce an earlier request.
Chauvin released on $1 million bond pending trial in George Floyd killing
After the fired police officer was released from pretrial custody by posting $1 million bond, Gov. Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard and mobilized 100 state troopers and 75 conservation officers out of caution.
Woman says Minneapolis police falsely identified her as assault suspect without contacting her
Lauren P. Peterson said police never reached out to her before pursuing a case against her.
St. Anthony woman wrongly charged with assaulting journalist
A St. Anthony woman was wrongly charged in September with assaulting a journalist during protests in downtown Minneapolis, according to recently filed court documents.The Minneapolis…
Jill Biden on election: 'This is it. There are no do-overs.'
The wife of the Democratic presidential candidate visited Black-owned businesses, helped out at a nonprofit and praised female voters.
Faribault's Sen. Jasinski says he takes 'complete responsibility' for drunken driving
State Sen. John Jasinski said Sunday that he takes "complete responsibility" for driving while impaired Saturday.Jasinski, R-Faribault, declined to be interviewed but acknowledged in a…
Minnesota state Sen. John Jasinski cited for driving while impaired, court records say
State Sen. John Jasinski was cited Saturday for driving while impaired, according to court records. Public information available on the Minnesota courts website showed that…
Court filing alleges fired officer charged in Floyd killing and attorney were assaulted
Attorney Thomas Plunkett said the former officers' trial must be moved out of the county for their safety.
State panel declines reappointment of Hennepin County public defender
State Public Defender Bill Ward recommended against reappointing Mary Moriarty because of her "inability to work" with others. The full Board of Public Defense is expected to vote at a meeting beginning at noon.
St. Anthony woman wrongly charged with assaulting journalist
Editor's note: A St. Anthony woman was wrongly charged in September with assaulting a journalist during protests in downtown Minneapolis, according to later filed court…
Those who knew ex-officer struggle to understand decisions
J. Alexander Kueng became a Minneapolis police officer to help the community, but prosecutors accuse him of doing nothing to help George Floyd when he and his colleagues fatally pinned him to the ground as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe.
Judge disqualifies Freeman for 'sloppy' work in Floyd case
Protesters gathered as attorneys argued key issues including whether the trial should be moved out of the county, whether the defendants should be tried in one trial or separately, and how jurors will be selected.
Attorneys for former officers in George Floyd murder case want separate trials
A judge will hear oral arguments on the matter at hearing Friday.
26 now charged in connection with downtown Mpls. looting
26 now accused of crimes including burglary, assault and drug possession.
Prosecutors seek longer sentences for officers in George Floyd case
The officers abused their authority and treated Floyd cruelly, prosecutors argued.
At least 19 charged with burglary, assault in Minneapolis riot
One woman allegedly knocked down an officer and assaulted him after she was cornered in a parking garage.
Former officer in George Floyd case seeks change of venue, dismissal of charges
J. Alexander Kueng did not knowingly help anyone commit a crime, his lawyer wrote.
Former officer who held back crowd at George Floyd death should face trial, prosecutors argue
They say fired officer encouraged other officers, ignored bystanders' pleas to check Floyd's pulse.
Lawyer for ex-officer Lane charged in Floyd killing says he 'did nothing wrong'
Attorney Earl Gray attacks Floyd as a habitual drug user with a violent past.
Audio of investigators questioning officer in George Floyd killing released
This is the first time in Minnesota history such recordings have been released before trial.
Video: Ex-officer charged in Floyd killing tells BCA he was focused on angry crowd
In an interview with investigators, Tou Thao stressed officer safety, addressing George Floyd's well-being and bystanders' concerns only when questioned by a Minnesota BCA special agent.
Prosecutors seek permission for one trial for all 4 ex-officers in George Floyd's killing
They argue it's in the "interests of justice" and limiting witness trauma. Defense attorneys have not yet filed responses.
Judge withheld bodycam videos in George Floyd killing to preserve 'fair trial'
Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill reversed his initial stance on the matter after being challenged by a coalition of media companies.
Prosecutors: Ex-officer Thomas Lane should stand trial in George Floyd killing
Their comments were meant to refute a motion to dismiss the charges, filed in July by Lane's attorney, Earl Gray.
Daily Mail publishes leaked bodycam footage of George Floyd arrest, killing
Daily Mail claims George Floyd footage was leaked to the media company.
Media coalition seeks to unseal Derek Chauvin divorce case
Former Minneapolis cop and his estranged wife filed the motion to protect themselves from harassment.
Prosecutors in George Floyd case oppose cameras at trial
Prosecutors are opposing audio visual coverage of the trial or trials of four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the killing of George Floyd. Assistant…
Media organizations challenge gag order in trial of officers charged with George Floyd's death
The coalition contends Judge Cahill's order overreached and violated First Amendment.
Bodycam video shows officer pulled gun on Floyd early on
Video from body cameras worn by two of the officers involved in the killing of George Floyd was viewed by the public for the first time.
Defense attorney in case over Floyd's death accuses AG Ellison of contempt of court
Attorney Robert Paule wants sanctions against Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Attorneys for ex-Minneapolis officers object to judge's gag order in George Floyd death
Derek Chauvin's lawyer says judge's order violates his constitutional rights to free speech and a public trial.
Media coalition calls for immediate release of body camera footage in George Floyd killing
It can be viewed only by appointment at the courthouse, not recorded.
DOC chief calls for criminal investigation of Beltrami County jail inmate's death
Letters by health care professional alleged neglect of inmate at Beltrami County jail.
Former youth basketball coach charged in third case of child sex abuse
A former Minneapolis grade-school teacher and youth basketball coach was charged Thursday for the third time with sexually abusing a child under his care. Aaron…
Judge issues gag order in trial of ex-officers in George Floyd killing
Judge Peter Cahill wrote that "continuing" publicity from the attorneys in the case could create an unfair trial.
Fired officer Lane's attorney seeks dismissal of charges in Floyd's death
Transcripts of body-worn camera footage from the night George Floyd was killed and of an interview with one of the officers at the scene were also filed in court.
Derek Chauvin's wife is seeking both of their homes in her divorce petition
Family law lawyers say it's too soon to say whether the move is a ploy to protect the former Minneapolis police officer's assets.
Minneapolis July 4th protesters say they're marching for justice for all
Two Minneapolis events call for racial equity and an overhaul of police.
Third fired Minneapolis police officer charged in Floyd death is out of jail
Tou Thao faces a court appearance on Sept. 11.
Change of venue possible in George Floyd case, judge warns
The Hennepin County judge presiding over the four officers' cases warned that public officials speaking out about the case are pushing it toward a change of venue if they continue to do so.
In trial over George Floyd's killing, both defense, prosecution face unique challenges
With four former officers charged and the killing recorded on video, some attorneys say "the blue wall of silence" could be broken.
Judge denies audiovisual coverage of hearings for former officers charged in George Floyd killing
A Hennepin County judge on Friday rejected an unusual request to allow cameras in the courtroom filed by attorneys representing four former Minneapolis officers charged…
Former Minneapolis youth basketball coach charged in second sexual assault on child
Former grade-school teacher is accused of assaulting a second boy.
Charges: Minneapolis brothers destroyed property inside Third Precinct
One brother also allegedly recorded video while they were inside the police station.
Rochester man, Andover woman charged with arson following Floyd protests
Anonymous source sent videos allegedly showing him committing crimes.
East Phillips neighborhood group sues Mpls. to stop project over concerns for residents of color
Lawsuit says it would disproportionately harm communities of color.
Minneapolis youth basketball coach charged with sexual assault of preteen boy
Aaron J. Hjermstad had worked at a Minneapolis charter school and coached with a youth outreach group.
Charges: St. Paul man shot, killed in Minneapolis after going to sister's aid in fight
A 23-year-old man is charged with one count of second-degree murder with intent. His girlfriend was fighting with the victim's sister at the time of the shooting.
Charges: Minneapolis man sped, ran red light before causing fiery fatal crash
Abdullahi A. Mohamed, 22, was charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide and two counts of criminal vehicular operation.
Federal authorities seek help identifying arson suspects
The ATF released photos and video of several suspects who allegedly set fire to a police station, a school, a bank and a grocery store.
$1.25M bail set for Chauvin in Floyd death
The former Minneapolis police officer made his first court appearance by video feed, handcuffed in an orange jumpsuit sitting at a small conference room table.
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Two fired Mpls. officers charged in Floyd's death cast blame on Derek Chauvin
First appearances are typically procedural, but Thursday's hearings for three fired Minneapolis police officers quickly turned contentious.
Four fired Mpls. officers booked, charged in killing of George Floyd
A more serious charge of second-degree murder was added to the counts against Derek Chauvin. Three other fired Minneapolis officers are now booked in jail, charged with aiding and abetting murder.
A timeline of events leading to George Floyd's death as outlined in charging documents
Complaint: "Mr. Floyd told the officers that he was not resisting but he did not want to get in the back seat and was claustrophobic."
Charges: Minnesotans drove plateless car, carried guns, hammer during protest
The case conflicts with authorities' initial warnings that "outside agitators" were largely responsible for the havoc that trailed protests.
Charges: St. Paul man fired multiple gunshots at Minneapolis police
No officers were injured in the incident in the wake of protests for George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody May 25.
Attorney for George Floyd's family blasts county autopsy, calls for peaceful protests
Attorney Benjamin Crump said Hennepin County went to "great length" to obscure the cause of George Floyd's death.
BCA sought access to police training, medical records in Floyd death
State investigators looking into the killing of George Floyd have requested the training records of all the former Minneapolis officers who were present, as well…
Fired officer Derek Chauvin charged with murder and manslaughter
Hennepin County's prosecutor announced charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter against Derek Chauvin in George Floyd's death.
Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton urge immediate jailing, charges for police in Floyd's death
Civil rights leaders held separate south Minneapolis events near crime scene.
