Man And Baby Dead Following Shooting In Minneapolis

A man and a baby are dead following a shooting that occurred in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon, KARE 11 reports.

Officers responded to a call of shots fired around 1:30 p.m. near 11th Avenue South and 26th Street East. Police say that, upon arrival, they found two victims with gunshot wounds in the backseat of a car. A man, identified as 20-year-old Gustav Christianson, was dead at the scene. An 8-month-old baby boy was rushed to Minneapolis Children’s Hospital, but was later pronounced dead.

Julia Johnson, the sister of Gustav, identified his as one of the victims. Johnston revealed that Gustav would have turned 21 next month. He lived in north Minneapolis and was previously a member of the Native Mob gang. He was recently released from prison and was regularly attending a treatment program.

Back in March, 2014, Gustav was charged with second-degree assault. He was released from prison in June, 2016, but as of the end of July, Gustav was a wanted fugitive. Johnston revealed that she has previously lost her mother and sister, and now her brother.

“I just wish they would stop, put down the guns. Because, you know, like my mom always said, ‘Somebody will walk out the door, you never know if they’re going to walk back in.’ It’s hard because I lost my mom and my sister and now my brother.”

Johnston did reveal that she did not know the relationship between her brother and the baby, but said that Gustav was not the baby’s father.

As of Sunday afternoon, nobody has been arrested, although police have brought in several people for questioning. The police do believe that this was a targeted attack and that the public is not in danger.

The police ask if anyone has any information on this crime to please report it by texting 847411 (TIP411) or calling the MPD TIP Line at 612-692-TIPS (8477). All texts will remain anonymous.

Unfortunately, gang-related crime happens way more often than it should. Johnston revealed that her brother was previously a member of the Native Mob gang. Slideshare reveals some information in regards to gangs, in particular, the Native Mob gang.

There are three different types of gangs: traditional, non-traditional, and entrepreneur.

Traditional gangs are often filled with multi-generational members and are typically known as “turf gangs.” Non-traditional gangs are filled with first-time gang members and are usually less structured than traditional gangs. Entrepreneur gangs are usually in it for the money and are often found selling drugs for money, stealing cars and parts, and other illegal activity.

The most common gangs in the U.S. are the CRIPS and the BLOODS. The best known native gangs, which are often located in places such as Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, are Native Pride and Native Mob.

In order to be accepted in a gang, a person must typically demonstrate that they have courage, as well as commitment. This is usually done by fighting a large group of gang members at the same time. Sometimes they may be asked to commit certain crimes such as beating someone up or stealing something, or sometimes even larger crimes.

Most gang memberships are “for life” and it is very difficult to get out of. Johnston claims that her brother was previously a member of the Native Mob gang, but perhaps his non-commitment had led to his and the baby’s tragic death.

As of now, we do not have any further details on this crime. The police are investigating and hopefully will find the suspect or suspects involved in taking the life of Gustav and the baby, who has not yet been publicly identified.

[Featured Image by astrosystem/AP Images]