On the evening of Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the life of 21-year-old Teegan James Charles Wenzel, a Black male from Byron, Minnesota, was tragically cut short. Minneapolis police responded to a report of gunfire shortly before 8:30 p.m. on the 3700 block of Newton Avenue North. Upon arrival, officers discovered a residence with the front door open.
Inside the home, they found Wenzel suffering from several gunshot wounds.
Despite the immediate life-saving efforts of the officers and medical responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:42 p.m. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that his death was a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds.
Teegan, who was born on June 21, 2002, in Rochester, Minnesota, was remembered as a cherished son, brother, and friend with a vibrant spirit. He was known for his warm smile, infectious laughter, and a selfless nature that led him to always put the needs of others before his own. A graduate of the High School of Recording Arts, he had a passion for music, as well as football, basketball, and video games.
The investigation into Wenzel's murder is ongoing. As of November 17, 2023, authorities had not announced any arrests in connection with the shooting, and investigators were still searching for suspects. His death marked the 57th homicide in Minneapolis that year.
