Leneesha Helen Columbus, also known as Nee Nee, was a 27-year-old woman from South Minneapolis who tragically lost her life on July 5, 2020. Leneesha was pregnant at the time of her death and was shot near the intersection of East 37th Street and Elliot Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene around 9:15 a.m., they found a group of people performing CPR on her in an attempt to save her life.
Despite their efforts, Leneesha succumbed to her injuries shortly after being transported to Hennepin Healthcare, where doctors delivered her baby prematurely.
The suspect in this tragic incident was identified as Leneesha's boyfriend, Zachary Victor Robinson Jr. Following the shooting, Minneapolis police tracked Robinson down in Illinois and placed him under arrest. Robinson, who was already facing one count of murder, had an additional charge of second-degree murder added for the death of the unborn child. The baby, named Leneesha LaDell Columbus, survived for only four weeks before passing away on August 5, 2020, with the cause of death listed as homicide.
Leneesha's death has left a profound impact on her family and community. She is survived by her children, Lavell Lovelady, Lazayda Columbus Hester, and Leneesha Hester, as well as her parents, LaDell Turnipseed and Leonard Columbus, and several siblings. The family has called for an end to the violence that claimed her life, emphasizing the need for peace and justice in their community.
