Eat Street drive-by shooting last year in Minneapolis leads to prison sentence for killer

Amariaun Antonio Thomas Thornton, 22, received a prison sentence of slightly more than 8 ½ years for his role in the drive-by shooting that killed 18-year-old Javon Jarule Stevenson on July 7, 2024, in Minneapolis. The shooting took place as Stevenson exited a car near Nicollet Avenue and involved multiple firearms, including a "ghost gun" that Thornton had access to. By pleading guilty to aiding an offender, Thornton avoided more serious charges like second-degree murder, which would have resulted in a longer sentence. He is expected to serve slightly more than five years in prison, followed by supervised release. Surveillance footage showed the chaotic scene, where at least five guns were fired, and a bullet from the SUV hit Stevenson after ricocheting off the ground.

This incident reflects the growing issue of gun violence, particularly involving untraceable firearms, in urban communities. Court documents revealed that police tracked Thornton's location to the crime scene using cellphone data. The case emphasizes the need for stricter regulations on ghost guns and firearm access to prevent similar tragedies in the future.