Malik Ronnell Payne, 28, was found in his black BMW with a life-threatening gunshot wound on the 300 block of University Avenue NE in northeast Minneapolis just before 12:40 a.m. on November 7, 2023. First responders pulled him from the vehicle and he was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center; he died of a gunshot wound to the head on the evening of November 8, 2023. His death was ruled a homicide.

The investigation remains open. Early on, Minneapolis police identified a 40-year-old man from Apple Valley as a suspect, but no charges have been filed. As of late 2024 the family reports no arrests. Payne was a father of four young daughters; his family has worked with CrimeStoppers and is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. His mother, Willar Ann Epps, has publicly said she believes she knows who is responsible and has been active in keeping attention on the case.

If anyone knew Malik, saw activity on University Avenue NE that night, or has information that could help the investigation, please contact the Minneapolis Police Department or CrimeStoppers.