On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Jerome Skluzacek, a 55-year-old White man from New London, Minnesota, was shot and killed during a multi-county rampage that began earlier that day in Minneapolis. Authorities say the suspected shooter, identified as 25-year-old Ameer Matariyeh, opened fire from an apartment balcony in Minneapolis after a reported domestic dispute, then fled westward. No one hit in that initial shooting was reported injured.

The chase continued through rural areas, during which Matariyeh allegedly shot and wounded 25-year-old Peter Mayerchak near Lake Lillian; Mayerchak was said to be in stable condition and expected to survive. Law enforcement disabled the suspect’s vehicle on the Highway 71/23 bypass southeast of Willmar; Matariyeh then exited and attempted to carjack a small green pickup driven by Skluzacek. Witnesses including the Kandiyohi County Sheriff allege Matariyeh fatally shot Skluzacek before surrendering.

Matariyeh was taken into custody at the scene and a gun was recovered from a nearby ditch. He has been charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, assault, and fleeing a peace officer. If anyone knew Jerome Skluzacek or saw the events on Highway 71/23 that day, please share what you remember.