Lamar Hale, aged 25, was fatally shot on June 25, 2014, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The incident occurred following a prolonged argument over money with his cousin, Chevaze D. Ward, also 25 years old. On the day of the shooting, Hale and Ward were involved in a confrontation that escalated when Hale exited his vehicle and approached Ward's car. Witnesses reported that Hale opened the door of Ward's car, attempting to pull him out.
In response, Ward retrieved a handgun from a white sock and shot Hale multiple times before fleeing the scene on foot.
Hale was subsequently driven to a nearby fire station and then transported to Regions Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The police quickly identified Ward as the suspect based on witness descriptions and arrested him shortly after the incident near Desoto Street and York Avenue. A handgun was found in a white tube sock in the vicinity of the arrest.
Ward was charged with second-degree murder with intent and second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony. During the trial, it was revealed that Hale had posted on Facebook earlier that day, indicating that Ward had threatened to shoot him. Despite Ward's claims of self-defense, the jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to over 32 years in prison. Ward's prior criminal record included convictions for first-degree sale of cocaine and possession of a controlled substance.
