On a cold evening in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the life of 21-year-old Ellijah Marquise Payne, a Black / African American male, was tragically cut short. On December 12, 2022, Payne and another young man, 18-year-old David Burton Johnson, were inside a building at the intersection of East 5th and Cedar streets. The structure, which included a stairwell and elevator connecting the skyway to the Green Line's Central Station, became a scene of violence at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Both Payne and Johnson were discovered with gunshot wounds in the skyway connector tower. Emergency services were called to the scene, and the two victims were rushed to Regions Hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, both men were pronounced dead. The incident marked the 36th and 37th homicides in Saint Paul for that year.
The investigation into the double homicide was a collaborative effort between the Metro Transit and Saint Paul police departments, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Authorities indicated that the shooting was not believed to be a random act. The building was equipped with multiple security cameras, which were reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
In the course of their investigation, Metro Transit police identified a main suspect in the killings. Martin Orea, 26, is believed to be the individual who shot and killed both Ellijah Payne and David Johnson. Authorities have released information about Orea, cautioning the public that he is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached. As of the latest available information, no arrests had been publicly announced. The community was left mourning the loss of two young lives as police continued their search for the named suspect.
