Overview
- A 16-year-old, identified in court records as Immanuel Kowo, was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head at Hartkopf Park during a large gathering on Sunday, July 5.
- Police detained a 17-year-old near his home after the shooting and he is being held at the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center.
- Officers recovered a handgun with an extended magazine from the suspect’s backpack and court documents say forensic testing matched that gun to shell casings found at the playground.
- Prosecutors filed a juvenile petition charging the suspect with firearm possession only, but they say the petition could be amended as investigators review evidence and witness statements that name the 17-year-old as the shooter.
- The case highlights tensions over holiday-weekend shootings, the differences in juvenile and adult charging procedures, and ongoing concerns about safety at large public gatherings as investigators continue their probe.