Royce Dallas McKinney, a 22-year-old resident of St. Paul, Minnesota, tragically lost his life on June 24, 2024, in a fatal shooting incident on the city's East Side. The incident occurred in the Eastern Hazel Park area, where McKinney was found in a crashed car.
Law enforcement quickly launched an investigation into the homicide, and on July 1, 2024, authorities announced that a suspect had been charged in connection with McKinney's death.
Lawrence Danzel Phelps, a 30-year-old man, was charged with one count of second-degree murder for his alleged role in the shooting.
According to the charges, Phelps allegedly hid in an alley before fatally shooting McKinney, who was driving an SUV at the time. The Ramsey County Attorney's Office filed the charges, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the young man's untimely death.
The motive behind the shooting appears to be related to a feud over an alleged marijuana theft, as reported by local news sources. This information provides some context to the tragic event that claimed McKinney's life.
In addition to Lawrence Phelps, his brother was also charged on suspicion of possessing the firearm after it was used in the fatal shooting of Royce McKinney. This development suggests that multiple individuals may have been involved in the aftermath of the incident.
As the community grapples with this senseless loss of life, funeral services for Royce Dallas McKinney are pending. The young man's unexpected passing has left a void in the lives of his family, friends, and the St. Paul community.
