St. Paul teen charged in fatal light rail shooting

A St. Paul teenager has been charged following a deadly shooting on a light rail platform in downtown Minneapolis earlier this week.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has identified the teen as 17-year-old Tashawn Powell and states he is charged with second-degree intentional murder in Tuesday’s shooting, which killed a 15-year-old boy.

Prosecutors are moving to have Powell certified as an adult.

RELATED: Shooting kills teen at downtown Minneapolis light rail station

Minneapolis police were called to the Nicollet Mall light rail station near South Fifth Street at around 5:30 p.m.

There, officers found the 15-year-old and tried to revive him. However, he died at the scene. The Hennepin County medical examiner has identified the teen as 15-year-old Fred Ulysses Walker.

According to the juvenile petition, officers were able to watch video footage from Metro Transit to get a description of the suspect.

A short time later, as officers searched the area, police say a bus driver reported someone matching the suspect’s description. Police then responded to that area and arrested Powell.

While arresting Powell, officers found a handgun that matched the caliber of the discharged casing found near the victim’s body. The petition adds that Powell later admitted to shooting the victim.

Powell’s first court appearance is set for Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

It was the 53rd homicide of the year in Minneapolis, according to police.

This is developing news. KSTP is working to get more details and will post updates as more information becomes available.

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