In the early morning hours of July 19, 2024, a sequence of events began to unfold in north Minneapolis that would end in the tragic death of 46-year-old Tavaughn Lamarr Combs, a Black/African American male. Gunfire was detected by ShotSpotter technology at approximately 2:25 a.m. near the intersection of 21st Avenue North and Upton Avenue North. However, it wasn't until more than five hours later, around 7:40 a.m., that the fatal consequences of that gunfire would be discovered.
Minneapolis police officers responded to a call about a person down in front of a residence on the 2100 block of Thomas Avenue North, a short distance from where the shots were initially detected. Upon their arrival, they found Combs suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but it was too late; he was pronounced dead.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that Combs died from a gunshot wound to the torso. His death has officially been ruled a homicide. Known to many as "Spunky," Combs was a digital creator in the Twin Cities. In the wake of his death, friends and family took to social media to mourn their loss.
As of now, the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation by the Minneapolis Police Department. No arrests have been made in connection with the homicide, and authorities have not released any information about potential suspects. Police have asked for the public's assistance in providing any information that could lead to an arrest and conviction in the case.
