In the late morning of December 16, 2020, the sound of gunshots shattered the quiet of a St. Cloud, Minnesota apartment building, leading to the tragic death of 21-year-old Marenio William Kennedy. A Black/African American male, Kennedy, a resident of nearby Waite Park, was discovered by police inside an apartment unit in the 4000 block of South 24th Street with gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders were called to the scene just after 11:30 a.m. and found Kennedy injured.
Despite immediate medical attention and life-saving efforts by police and ambulance crews, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators have stated that they do not believe the shooting was a random act of violence, suggesting that Kennedy may have been targeted. However, the suspect or suspects had fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. In the days and years following the shooting, authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the homicide. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement has encouraged anyone with information to come forward. Tri-County Crime Stoppers has also appealed to the public for assistance in solving the cold case.
