A man was fatally shot early Wednesday in north Minneapolis in a case that has prompted police to investigate two crime scenes that may be related to his death.

Officers were dispatched at 12:15 a.m. to the 700 block of N. Thomas Avenue, where they found a wounded man inside a home, police said.

Emergency responders took the man to HCMC, where he died, according to police. His identity has not been released.

Officers subsequently learned that the fatal gunfire may have occurred about a mile northeast near N. 11th and Knox avenues, police said.

Crime lab personnel collected evidence at both locations as part of the effort to find any suspects and determine a motive for the shooting.

This homicide is the city's 74th this year, according to the Star Tribune database, and it occurred barely 3 ½ hours after a fatal shooting in south Minneapolis left one man dead and three other men wounded.

The four were shot about 8:40 p.m. Tuesday in the 2700 block of S. Bloomington Avenue, police said. Three of the victims were taken by emergency responders to HCMC, where one was pronounced dead.

A fourth arrived at HCMC in a private vehicle.

Police have not offered an explanation of circumstances leading to the shooting deaths. No arrests have been announced.

Anyone with information about either case is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or at CrimeStoppersMN.org.

All tips are anonymous. Information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a reward.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482