On June 10, 2019, Michael Angelo Clark, aged 40, was fatally shot in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The incident occurred in an alley separating Hennepin and First avenues. Clark was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner confirmed his identity and cause of death.
The suspect in the shooting was identified as 35-year-old James Wren of Minneapolis.
Wren was charged with one count of second-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder, and one count of illegally possessing a firearm. Wren had a prior conviction for first-degree assault in 2012, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
The shooting followed a fight in the parking lot near Augie's nightclub in downtown Minneapolis. Surveillance footage showed Wren leaving the area after the altercation, only to return shortly afterward and open fire. A tow truck driver who witnessed the shooting pointed out Wren as he fled the scene. Another man was also shot during the incident and suffered serious injuries, resulting in permanent paralysis.
Wren was later convicted of the unintentional second-degree murder of Michael Clark and first-degree assault of the second victim. The jury took three hours to reach a verdict, and Wren could face a sentence of more than 27 years in prison. The Hennepin County Attorney's office expressed satisfaction with the conviction and hoped the judge would agree with their sentencing request.
