Hennepin County Attorney’s Office secures guilty plea from Cody Fohrenkam in killing of Deshaun Hill

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office secured a guilty plea from Cody Fohrenkam, 33, for the shooting death of Deshaun Hill in February 2022.

Mr. Fohrenkam pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree intentional murder and, under the terms of the plea, will serve a sentence of 340 months.

Following Mr. Fohrenkam’s first conviction and the subsequent reversal by the Court of Appeals, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office fought to retain evidence by filing for appellate review, but those attempts were unsuccessful. Based on rulings by the Court of Appeals and the trial court, the State faced significant evidentiary challenges that did not exist during the first trial, including the exclusion of Mr. Fohrenkam’s statement.

Negotiating a homicide case is difficult because no amount of time will ever bring Deshaun Hill Jr. back to his family and community. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office believes that this plea agreement provides a measure of justice and finality to the family and community. The plea agreement also ensures that Mr. Fohrenkam cannot appeal any issues that could arise at a second trial.

“Deshaun Hill was beloved by his family, his friends, and his community. He had an unforgettable impact on his peers and community, encouraging other students to stay in school and served as a beacon of light for youth in our community,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “To Deshaun’s loved ones, my thoughts are with you. I hope the resolution of this case after four long years brings a small measure of peace. Mr. Fohrenkam’s violent actions took Deshaun from his community and harmed many more. This plea holds him accountable and ensures that he is not able to harm anyone else.”

Deshaun Hill Jr. was born on March 13, 2006, and was a star athlete, playing both football and basketball for North High School. He was an honor roll student and a natural leader.

Mr. Fohrenkam is scheduled to be sentenced on March 2 at 3:30 p.m.

Case Number: 27-CR-22-3336

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