In the early evening of September 8, 2023, Vintrez Lamont Johnson, a 21-year-old Black male, was fatally shot in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis. The incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. near the intersection of West 29th Street and South Fremont Avenue. Johnson was reportedly standing outside when he was struck by multiple gunshots. Responding to reports of gunfire, police officers found Johnson with life-threatening injuries.
He was transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center, where he died from his injuries approximately 30 minutes later. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds and ruled the manner of death a homicide.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and as of early October 2023, no arrests had been made in connection with Vintrez Johnson's death. Evidence of the shooting was apparent at the scene, with a nearby building and a vehicle showing damage from the gunfire. Tragically, further violence erupted at a memorial held for Johnson just two days after his killing. On September 10, a shootout occurred at the same location where he was gunned down. During this subsequent incident, in which dozens of shots were fired from multiple firearms, two women in a vehicle were injured by broken glass.
Vintrez Johnson was remembered by his family as a loving father to a one-year-old daughter. His mother, Cynthia Johnson, described him as a talented dancer who was not involved in street life. She mentioned that her son had recently been featured in music videos and was focused on bettering himself. A GoFundMe page was created to help his family with expenses. The investigation into his murder remains open, with authorities appealing to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of those responsible.
