Matthew Lee, 20, was fatally shot in the early morning hours of September 12, 2025, inside a home in the 300 block of 2nd Avenue South in South Saint Paul, Minnesota. A junior at St. Olaf College, he majored in economics and played linebacker on the football team. Officers found two men with gunshot wounds; Matthew was pronounced dead at the scene and another man was taken to hospital with critical injuries. The medical examiner ruled Matthew’s death a homicide.

According to investigators, six people had been gathered in an upstairs bedroom when a dispute unfolded. A 19-year-old from St. Paul, who was later arrested about a quarter-mile away hiding in a shed, and another man had been comparing firearms. That other man left the room and, upon returning, attempted to rob the 19-year-old at gunpoint. The 19-year-old then fired multiple times, striking the robber and also hitting Matthew, who witnesses described as an innocent bystander. The suspect was charged with second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and possession of a firearm by an ineligible person.

The St. Olaf community held a candlelight vigil to mourn a student remembered as a devoted son, protective brother, and loyal friend. If anyone was at the home that night or has information about what led up to the shooting, please come forward.