Hennepin County jury convicts Ryan Charles Rooney of first-degree murder

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty released the following statement after a Hennepin County jury returned guilty verdicts on first- and second-degree murder charges against Ryan Charles Rooney, 36. Sentencing is set for December 4 at 9 a.m. when Rooney faces a mandatory sentence of life with the possibility of release after 30 years.

“Today's guilty verdicts hold Mr. Rooney accountable for this senseless and devastating murder,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “I am grateful to the jury for their service throughout the trial and my thoughts are with those affected by Mr. Rooney's actions, especially the two young children exposed to this horrific event at such an early age."

According to the complaint, on Nov. 2, 2021, Eden Prairie Police responded to the Residence Inn Hotel to assist hotel staff with a welfare check.

When they entered the hotel room, officers observed Rooney and two small children. Upon searching the rest of the hotel room, they located the deceased victim, who had been shot in the chest. Rooney was detained by officers at the scene.

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