In the early hours of a winter morning in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the life of Charles Eugene Frye, a 39-year-old Black/African American man, was tragically cut short. On January 26, 2019, Frye was at a house party on East Maryland Avenue when gunfire erupted around 3:30 a.m.. When police arrived at the chaotic scene, they found Frye, who had been shot. He was pronounced dead at the location. Another man, who was 27 years old, was also wounded in the shooting but survived after being treated at a local hospital.
Remembered by his family as a loving father to his nine children and a doting grandfather, Frye's death left a significant void in their lives. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement officials began the arduous task of piecing together the events of that fatal night. With approximately 20 potential witnesses to interview, the investigation commenced without an immediate arrest. Neighbors reported that the residence where the shooting occurred was known for hosting frequent parties.
Several months later, a breakthrough was made in the investigation. In May 2019, Antonio Edward Johnson was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with Charles Eugene Frye's death. A criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County District Court accused Johnson of being the individual who shot Frye during the party. While the charges represented a significant development, the investigation continued as authorities sought to gather more information from the public about the circumstances that led to the deadly shooting.
