Hennepin County Attorney’s Office to petition Minnesota Supreme Court for review of Deshaun Hill, Jr. murder case

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office today announced it will petition the Minnesota Supreme Court for review of the murder case against Cody Fohrenkam in the killing of Deshaun Hill, Jr. Following the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision reversing the conviction against Fohrenkam, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office conducted a thorough review of the case to determine the appropriate path forward, which is petitioning the Supreme Court for review of the decision. Should the reversal of the conviction stand, the office will re-try the case.

“The senseless killing of Deshaun Hill was devastating to his loved ones and to everyone in the North High School community,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “Having reviewed the Court of Appeals decision, we believe the Minnesota Supreme Court should review this case and reinstate the conviction. We believe we charged the right person and, if necessary, we will try this case again. We will bring justice and accountability for this disturbing crime.”

The office today also released a video message to the community about these latest developments:

VIDEO STATEMENT

The state has 30 days from the date of the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision to file its petition with the Minnesota Supreme Court. Fohrenkam will remain in custody with the Department of Corrections during this period. If the case returns to Hennepin County for a new trial, Fohrenkam will be transferred to the Hennepin County jail for a bail hearing. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office would seek significant bail.