Mankato Murder Linked to Vape Debt, Vandalism Dispute
Mankato, MN (KROC-AM News) - The criminal complaint stemming from a fatal shooting in Mankato last weekend indicates that a case of vandalism, a debt over vape cartridges, and possibly a dispute involving an ex-boyfriend may have been factors in the deadly incident.
Twenty-three-year-old A’quan Kaishaid Laurence Thornton was formally arraigned in Blue Earth County Court today on a second-degree murder charge. He is accused of shooting and killing 27-year-old Muridi Hassan Hussein shortly before 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Mankato police reported that the fatal shooting occurred on the street outside an apartment building.
Police Say Debt and Vandalism Sparked Fatal Dispute
The criminal complaint says Mankato police were originally dispatched in response to a 911 call from a woman who reported that someone had threatened her and slashed the tires on her vehicle at her apartment complex. At the same time, law enforcement dispatchers were receiving multiple calls regarding shots fired in the same area.
According to the court document, responding officers found the shooting victim in the driver’s seat of a vehicle, dead from a gunshot wound to the head. Mankato police also found two passengers inside the vehicle.
Witnesses Describe Video Call Threat Before Shooting
The criminal complaint states that the witnesses told police the victim had received a video call from Thornton, during which Thornton threatened to shoot him after the two discussed a debt. The witnesses also reported that Thornton was brandishing a small assault-style weapon during the video call.
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The passengers told investigators they then drove to the apartment complex where the vandalism had been reported and saw Thornton carrying the gun. The court document says the witnesses stated Thornton opened fire on the vehicle after the victim made a U-turn. One of the passengers indicated that he then drove the vehicle away—using his hand to press the gas pedal—until they reached the location where police found the victim deceased.
Suspect Surrendered With Gun After Mankato Killing
Mankato police then responded to the apartment complex, where Thornton, who was in possession of the gun, surrendered to officers.
The criminal complaint says investigators spoke with the woman who called 911 to report the vandalism. She stated that she had been in a relationship with Thornton for about two years and described the shooting victim as her ex-boyfriend.
She told investigators that Thornton had received information that someone had damaged her car, and when she went outside to check, the shooting victim drove past and yelled threats at her. At that point, she noticed her tires had been slashed and went back inside to call 911.
The court document says she told police that Thornton then went outside to check on his vehicle and, when he returned, was carrying a gun. He stated that the victim had tried to run him over “and he might have shot him.” She indicated that Thornton then directed her to go outside and pick up shell casings from his gun.
When interviewed by investigators, the criminal complaint says Thornton stated that he had fired “warning shots.” He also told investigators that he and the victim had problems because the victim said Thornton owed him money, and Thornton refused to pay.
Following his arraignment, conditional bail for Thornton was set at $1 million.
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