A 16-year-old has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 11-year-old Amir Lamar Atkins, who was killed last month at Folwell Park in north Minneapolis.
He was booked into the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center on suspicion of murder.
The shooting happened on the afternoon of Sunday, June 23, at Folwell Park, located near Dowling Avenue North and Morgan Avenue North. According to initial information, gunfire broke out in the park as one vehicle drove through the grounds and two others moved through the adjacent parking lot.
PREVIOUSLY: Shooting at Minneapolis Park Leaves 11-year-old Boy Dead
A nearby resident told police he heard someone yelling for help and found three males outside his home, including the 11-year-old who had been shot. The resident placed the child and one of the males into his car and began driving toward a hospital before flagging down an officer near Penn Avenue North and Dowling Avenue North.
The officer removed the boy from the vehicle and began lifesaving measures, but the child was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by police, fire and EMS crews.
Chief Brian O’Hara called the killing “terrible” and said investigators had worked hard to identify a suspect, adding that he hoped the arrest would bring a measure of justice to Amir’s family.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and are urging anyone with information to contact police or submit an anonymous tip to CrimeStoppers.
