Hennepin County Attorney’s Office secures murder convictions against Earl Bennett in 2024 shooting

A Hennepin County jury returned guilty verdicts against Earl Bennett, 41, on three charges of second-degree intentional murder stemming from a shooting that took the lives of Christopher Martell Washington, Louis Mitchell Lemons, Jr., and Samantha Jo Moss.

On Oct. 27, 2024, Mr. Bennett fired numerous shots in a small encampment in Minneapolis before fleeing the scene. Two of the victims were declared deceased at the scene, while the third victim was transported to a hospital before passing away on Nov. 2, 2024.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims as they process today’s verdict,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “This was a callous act of extreme violence that took three people from their community and from their loved ones. Mr. Bennett will be held accountable for his actions, and this sentence protects the community from him. I am grateful to our trial team, to our victim services staff, and to the jury for their service.”

Mr. Bennett was also convicted of illegally possessing a firearm.

Sentencing is currently scheduled for January 16 at 8:30 a.m.

Case Number: 27-CR-24-25223

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