Takieis Taylon Williams, a 16-year-old known for his outgoing and playful nature, was killed by gunfire on the evening of Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. To his friends and family, he was affectionately known as "T Dot." Loved ones remembered him as a funny and protective young man who attended West Education Center and had a passion for playing video games.
His sudden death left a void in the lives of his mother, siblings, and a wide circle of relatives and friends who cherished him.
The shooting occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. in the Whittier neighborhood of South Minneapolis, a community known for its diverse population and mix of historic mansions, apartment buildings, and vibrant commercial corridors. Officers from the Minneapolis Police Department were called to the intersection of East Lake Street and Stevens Avenue South following multiple reports of gunfire. The location is adjacent to the Midtown Greenway, a popular 5.5-mile recreational path that runs through the city. When police arrived, they found Takieis on the ground suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed his identity and ruled his death a homicide.
The moments leading up to the fatal shooting remain unclear. Minneapolis Police Department investigators began piecing together the events of that night. According to preliminary information released by the department, witnesses reported seeing two males leaving the area immediately after the shots were fired. Authorities did not release detailed descriptions of these individuals or specify what role, if any, they played in the incident. The investigation was challenged by a lack of immediate forthcoming information, and detectives worked to uncover a motive and the sequence of events that placed Takieis in harm's way.
The corner where Takieis lost his life had been the site of previous violence, contributing to community concerns about safety in the area. Law enforcement had previously identified the intersection near the Greenway and a nearby highway off-ramp as a location that required increased attention. Just over a year before Takieis was killed, in September 2025, a mass shooting at the same corner wounded five men, one of whom later died from his injuries. This history of violence added a layer of urgency and tragedy to the investigation into Takieis's death.
In the wake of the shooting, the community mourned the loss of another young life. The Minneapolis Police Department's homicide unit took the lead on the case, processing evidence from the scene and searching for surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residences that might have captured the incident or the moments before and after. Investigators made public appeals for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward and help bring closure to Takieis’s family.
As of late October 2026, the investigation into the murder of Takieis Taylon Williams remains open and active. No arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The police have not commented on a possible motive. The case is a painful reminder of the impact of gun violence on families and communities.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the Minneapolis Police Department by emailing [email protected] or by calling 612-673-5845. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or through their website. A financial reward may be available for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.
