On March 4, 2023, 18-year-old Curstin Hailey Pope of Minneapolis, Minnesota, died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide.
The incident occurred around 6 a.m. in the 3600 block of Dupont Avenue North. Police responded to reports of a shooting following a verbal argument between a mother and her children.
Upon arrival, officers found Curstin with a life-threatening gunshot wound and a 13-year-old boy, identified as her brother, with a non-life-threatening injury. Both were transported to North Memorial Health Hospital, where Curstin was pronounced dead.
Investigations revealed that a single bullet struck both siblings, first hitting Curstin and then her brother. A handgun was recovered at the scene. The mother, 39-year-old Ashley Pope, was arrested but later released without charges as authorities worked to determine whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.
Curstin's death marked the 11th homicide in Minneapolis for the year 2023. The tragic event underscores the dangers associated with firearms during domestic disputes. Three other children were present in the home at the time but were unharmed. They were placed in the care of other adults following the incident.
