More Charges for Suspect in September Minneapolis Shooting Spree

Oct 2

Prosecutors have filed additional charges against 36-year-old Joshua Anthony Jones, accused of shooting four people and attempting to shoot a fifth during a violent rampage in south Minneapolis on Sept. 18.

Jones now faces a total of two counts of second-degree murder, three counts of attempted second-degree murder and three counts of illegal firearm possession.

The charges stem from a daylong shooting spree that occurred near homeless encampments in the Phillips neighborhood. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty described the attacks as “horrific” and emphasized the impact on the victims’ families.

“These attacks have left gaping holes in the lives of loved ones who lost people they cared about deeply,” Moriarty said. “We promise to do everything we can to hold Mr. Jones accountable.”

Previously: Convicted Felon Faces Murder Charges in Deadly Minneapolis Shooting Spree

Timeline of the Shootings:

4:39 a.m. – 2500 Block of 17th Avenue South
Jones is alleged to have walked into an alley and fatally shoot Roland Scott Littleowl in the head. He then shot another man, who survived and was transported to the hospital. Jones also fired at a third man but missed.
4:21 p.m. – 2500 Block of Bloomington Avenue South
Surveillance footage shows Jones approaching Robert Brown in an alley and shooting him at point-blank range. Brown was pronounced dead at the scene. This shooting was captured on video, where Jones was seen walking away calmly after the attack.
7:19 p.m. – 24th Street and 18th Avenue South
Jones is alleged to have approached another man and fired multiple shots. The victim fled, but Jones pursued him, continuing to shoot until one round struck the victim in the shoulder. The man survived the attack.

Jones was apprehended just 12 minutes after the final shooting, at 7:31 p.m., when officers located him near the third crime scene. He was arrested at gunpoint.

In addition to the Sept. 18 shootings, Jones is also facing one count of second-degree assault for a March 18, 2024, shooting near a light rail station in south Minneapolis. DNA evidence from the weapon used in that incident linked Jones to the crime, leading to charges being filed in July. A warrant for his arrest was still active when Jones was taken into custody on Sept. 18.

Despite the proximity of the attacks to homeless encampments, Moriarty said the investigation has not revealed any evidence that Jones specifically targeted the unhoused community.

“We know that many people are afraid given how close these attacks occurred to their homes, but we want to reassure the community that this does not appear to have been a targeted attack against those living in encampments,” Moriarty said.

Jones remains in custody with bail set at $1.5 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 24, 2024.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incidents to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit tips anonymously online at www.CrimeStoppersMN.org.

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