Brooklyn Center Man Charged in Richfield Cold Case Murder

A Brooklyn Center man was charged Thursday for his involvment in the shooting death of a man at the old Chi Chi's in Richfield back in 1998.  

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office filed charges against Michael Joseph Scott, Jr.  He's charged with two counts of aiding and abetting second degree murder, one which was for the benefit of a gang.  Gilbert Toomer, 27, of Minneapolis was killed in that shooting.  A second man was injured.  

According to the criminal complaint, a witness with the two victims saw the suspect inside the Chi Chi's at 494 and Nicollet Ave. and commented that he shot him several months ago.  The witnesses and two victims then were leaving the restaurant when the suspect fired several rounds at their vehicle.  Bullets hit Toomer in the left cheek and upper lip, killing him.  

The criminal complaint indicates the shooting was in retaliation for a gang fight at the Riverview Supper Club in November 1997.  The complaint says Scott went by the gang alias of "News" and was a member of the Shotgun Crips gang.  

Scott is currently being held in the Hennepin County Jail.

Click here to read the criminal complaint.