In the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, a Thursday evening in May turned tragic for Michael Ray Adkins, a 48-year-old Black/African American male from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On May 15, 2025, an argument that began inside a vehicle escalated with sudden and fatal violence. The dispute culminated in gunfire, and Adkins was struck by a bullet in the back in the 2700 block of Columbus Avenue. The gunman fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving Adkins gravely wounded.
In a desperate attempt to save him, his wife drove him from the scene, seeking immediate medical attention.
Their search for help ended near Abbott Northwestern Hospital, where they encountered an ambulance crew around 8:20 p.m. Paramedics found Adkins inside the vehicle with a life-threatening gunshot wound and quickly transported him to Hennepin Healthcare for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Michael Ray Adkins succumbed to his injuries the following day, May 16, 2025. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner later confirmed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the back and officially ruled the manner of death a homicide.
The Minneapolis Police Department launched a homicide investigation into the killing. Forensic scientists processed the scene on Columbus Avenue, and officers canvassed the area for witnesses and any potential surveillance footage that might shed light on the altercation and the identity of the shooter. In the days following the incident, authorities confirmed that no arrests had been made and did not release any information about a possible suspect. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara expressed his frustration over the senseless violence and assured the family and community that investigators would work tirelessly to bring the person responsible to justice. The case remains open, with police appealing to the public for any information that might lead to an arrest.
