Jury selection set to begin for teen charged in Payne-Phalen beating

Ray Widstrand
Police said several young males stomped and kicked Ray Widstrand, and eventually stripped him of his pants. Widstrand, now 27, suffered from potentially fatal brain swelling.
MPR Photo/Matt Sepic

Jury selection begins Monday for a teenager charged in the near-fatal group beating of a St. Paul resident.

Issac Maiden, 19, is charged in the assault, beating and robbery of a young man who authorities say was simply out for a walk last August in his own Payne-Phalen neighborhood.

Police said several young males stomped and kicked the victim, Ray Widstrand, and eventually stripped him of his pants. Widstrand, now 27, suffered from potentially fatal brain swelling.

Maiden was charged with first-degree assault, aggravated robbery, and crime for benefit of a gang. Four juveniles face similar charges.

The victim, Ray Widstrand, is receiving inpatient therapy for his injuries. He told MPR News last week that he doesn't remember the assault and forgives the five teens who beat him.

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