Lawrence Dean Hart Jr., aged 28, was found dead on May 30, 2019, in South Minneapolis. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office identified Hart and determined that he died from multiple gunshot wounds, ruling his death a homicide. Hart was discovered on the sidewalk near 12th Avenue South and East Lake Street just after 1:30 a.m. on that Thursday.
The investigation revealed that the incident was not believed to be random, and authorities began collecting evidence and interviewing potential witnesses immediately.
The investigation led to the identification of Shakee Shabazz Miller-Brantley, aged 28, as a suspect in Hart's murder. Miller-Brantley was already in custody for the fatal shooting of his former girlfriend, Jessica Williams, which occurred on July 19, 2019. Ballistics testing matched the shell casings found at the scene of Hart's murder to those found at Williams' residence. Miller-Brantley confronted Hart near East Lake Street and South 12th Avenue, where he shot Hart with a Ruger. 22-caliber handgun. The charges against Miller-Brantley for Hart's murder were filed via warrant in Hennepin County District Court.
Authorities have not disclosed any additional suspects in connection with Hart's death. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Minnesota.
