Second person sentenced for aiding murder of St. Paul man

By KSTP

Ta Mla (Ramsey County Jail)

An 18-year-old charged in connection to the murder of a St. Paul man earlier this year will spend more than a decade behind bars.

As previously reported by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS last month, Ta Mla pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree murder in the death of 44-year-old Michael Brasel. He was sentenced Thursday afternoon to 15 years in prison with credit for 192 days already served. That’s right in line with his plea deal.

Mla was originally charged with second-degree murder, but the charge was amended to two counts of aiding and abetting second-degree murder.

Investigators say Brasel was killed while confronting people who were trying to break into his wife’s car. His son told officers he heard his father yell ‘What are you doing?’ and then heard about six gunshots.

Brasel died at the hospital, with authorities adding he had been shot several times.

Several victim impact statements were read in court during Mla’s sentencing hearing. Mla also offered a brief apology.

Mla was one of two people charged in connection with Brasel’s death.

Kle Swee, 17, was charged with Brasel’s murder. He received a sentence of over 25 years this past fall.