Mikiyel Deshone Patton, a 37-year-old man from Minneapolis, Minnesota, died on December 19, 2023, as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the 900 block of N. Newton Avenue in Minneapolis. Patton was found dead inside an SUV at the scene.
At the time of his death, Patton was wanted by law enforcement in connection with a high-profile theft case.
He had been accused of stealing five valuable Platinum French Bulldog puppies, each valued at $15,000, from a home in Cannon Falls, Goodhue County, on December 2, 2023. Patton allegedly took the puppies while staying at the home of Jennifer Miller, who was caring for the dogs on behalf of their owner, Vanessa Taylor.
According to court documents, Patton had demanded a $20,000 ransom for the return of the puppies, claiming that Miller owed him this amount. He had also warned Taylor to stop sharing his photo online, describing himself as a 'dangerous person.' The Goodhue County Sheriff's Office had issued an arrest warrant for Patton, charging him with theft with intent to ransom.
The circumstances surrounding Patton's death remain unclear. Surveillance video from the scene showed the SUV arriving and parking, followed by several gunshots and muzzle flashes coming from inside the vehicle. The driver was seen exiting the vehicle and fleeing on foot, while another male approached the front passenger door and also fired shots. As of December 21, 2023, no arrests had been made in connection with Patton's death, and police had not addressed a possible motive for the killing.
The fate of the stolen puppies remains unknown. At the time of their theft, the puppies were only about a week old and were at risk of dying without their mother's care. Cannon Falls Police Chief Jeff McCormick stated on December 21 that his department had no information on the whereabouts or condition of the puppies.
