In the early morning hours of November 7, 2023, tragedy struck in northeast Minneapolis when Malik Ronnell Payne, a 28-year-old Black male from Brooklyn Center, was found inside his black BMW with a life-threatening gunshot wound. The incident occurred just before 12:40 a.m. on the 300 block of University Avenue NE. First responders were dispatched to the scene where they pulled him from the vehicle and administered aid until he could be transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Payne succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head on the evening of November 8, 2023. His death was officially ruled a homicide.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and as of late 2024, no arrests have been made. Early in the investigation, Minneapolis police identified a 40-year-old man from Apple Valley as a suspect, though he was never formally charged in connection with Payne's death. The lack of charges has left a grieving family searching for answers and justice for the father of four young daughters.
In their relentless pursuit of justice, Payne's family has taken proactive steps to bring his killer or killers to light. They have partnered with CrimeStoppers to offer a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case. Payne's mother, Willar Ann Epps, has been vocal in her quest for the truth, stating her belief that she knows who is responsible for her son's death and expressing confidence that arrests are imminent. The family continues to hold events to honor his memory and keep public attention focused on the unsolved case, urging anyone with information to come forward to the Minneapolis Police Department or CrimeStoppers.
