Man accused of fatally shooting four acquaintances in Minneapolis while sitting in a car with them

James Duane Ortley, 34, faces multiple charges, including three counts of second-degree murder, after allegedly shooting five acquaintances in a car in Minneapolis. The tragic incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has resulted in four deaths, identified as Evan Denny, 27; Joseph Goodwin, 17; Merelle White, 20; and Leras Rainey, 28, who died after being hospitalized. Witness accounts and surveillance footage linked Ortley to the shooting, with victims confirming he shot from the back seat. Ortley has a lengthy criminal history and was previously arrested in February for a crime spree but was released due to insufficient evidence. Authorities stated they will amend charges to reflect the death of Rainey.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office noted that Ortley’s family has ties to the Native Mob gang, and he was a friend of the victims. This shooting is part of a disturbing trend, as it coincides with other violent incidents in south Minneapolis this week. The community is grappling with the aftermath of these tragedies.