The St. Paul Police Department is investigating after two people were found with gunshot wounds early Thursday morning and later died.
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION:
We’re investigating an early morning shooting that left two people dead. It happened today at the intersection of Payne Avenue and North Street.
Media availability to follow. pic.twitter.com/6f8ZPJ5tle
— Saint Paul Police Department (@sppdmn) January 21, 2021
According to a statement released on the city’s website, police responded to several 911 calls reporting gunshots just after 3:30 a.m. in the area of Payne Avenue and East North Street.
Officers responded to a house on the 500 block of Payne Avenue and found two men with apparent gunshot wounds. Aid was rendered, but both later died from their injuries at Regions Hospital, one shortly after arriving and the other about two hours later, the release said.
The department said investigators are searching the area for cameras that could provide information about the identity of the suspect or suspects and what led up to the shooting.
A spokesperson said the victims marked the second and third homicides of the year in St. Paul. Both victims were adult males and no arrests had been made as of Thursday morning.
A two-year-old who was allegedly beaten to death by her mother earlier this month was the city’s first homicide, the Pioneer Press reported.
Witnesses or anyone with information on the suspects are urged to contact the SPPD’s Homicide Unit at 651-266-5650. Residents who think they may have security footage from the incident are also asked to contact police.
The exact cause of death and identities of the victims are expected to be released in the coming days.
Update: The victims in the shooting were identified as Alejandro Omar Rios, 21, of St. Paul and Michael William Stewart, 39, of St. Paul, according to the St. Paul Police Department. No arrests have been made yet.
HOMICIDE UPDATE:
The two victims in yesterday's early morning homicide investigation on Payne Ave have been ID'd as Alejandro Omar Rios, 21, of St. Paul and Michael William Stewart, 39, of St. Paul.
No arrests have been made. Anyone with information should call 651-266-5650.
— Saint Paul Police Department (@sppdmn) January 22, 2021
This is a developing story. Alpha News will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
