On April 29, 2025, a late-night shooting in Minneapolis left four people dead, including 27-year-old Evan Denny. Authorities found multiple victims with gunshot wounds; Denny and two others, 17-year-old Joseph Goodwin and 20-year-old Merelle White, were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth victim, 28-year-old Leras Rainey, died later at a hospital.

Law enforcement arrested 34-year-old James Duane Ortley on April 30. The criminal complaint says Ortley was in the same vehicle as the victims and opened fire from the back seat, striking five people in the head. One surviving victim, despite a severe gunshot wound to the face, was able to identify Ortley as the sole shooter. Ortley was charged with multiple counts including second-degree murder, attempted murder, and illegal firearm possession; officials said he has prior felony convictions and is known by street names Baby J and Little James.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office indicated charges would be amended to reflect the fourth death. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information about Evan Denny or this incident, please share tips with investigators.