On the morning of July 19, 2024, gunfire was detected by ShotSpotter near 21st Avenue North and Upton Avenue North in north Minneapolis at about 2:25 a.m. More than five hours later, around 7:40 a.m., officers responding to a report of a person down found 46-year-old Tavaughn Lamarr Combs suffering from a gunshot wound in front of a residence on the 2100 block of Thomas Avenue North, a short distance from where the shots were detected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner determined Combs died from a gunshot wound to the torso, and the death has been ruled a homicide. Combs, known to many as Spunky, was a digital creator in the Twin Cities; friends and family have shared their grief on social media. The Minneapolis Police Department is investigating; no arrests or suspect information have been released and police are asking the public for tips.

If anyone has information about Combs, his movements that night, or saw activity near 21st and Upton or the 2100 block of Thomas Avenue North, please contact the Minneapolis Police Department.