Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in 17-year-old girl's fatal Brooklyn Park shooting

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 25-year-old man named Melchizedek Erastuscorboi Kpaan has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of a 17-year-old girl in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota last summer. Kpaan had previously been charged with second-degree intentional murder and possessing a firearm as a felon.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the need for stronger measures to prevent such tragedies, especially involving young victims. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to hold repeat offenders accountable and provide adequate support for mental health and conflict resolution.

The details

According to court documents, police responded to a 911 call on the night of July 1, 2025 near the intersection of 70th Avenue North and Lakeland Avenue North in Brooklyn Park. They found the 17-year-old girl unconscious and nonresponsive, and she later died at the hospital. Surveillance video showed Kpaan, who was carrying a backpack, briefly going out of view before reappearing and throwing the backpack at the girl and shooting her. The girl pulled a firearm from her waistband but did not aim or fire it before running away. Kpaan was later arrested in Ohio on July 18, 2025.

• On the night of July 1, 2025, police responded to a 911 call about the shooting.
• The 17-year-old girl died at the hospital after the incident.
• Kpaan was arrested in Ohio on July 18, 2025.

What’s next

Kpaan's sentencing hearing is scheduled for next month, where the judge will determine his final sentence.