Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again, heaviest snow in southern Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Hennepin County prosecutors on Monday charged a Twin Cities man with murder in connection with a 2016 drive-by shooting that left a north Minneapolis toddler dead.  


Two-year-old Le'Vonte King Jason Jones was 

 while riding in a minivan his father was driving near Penn and Lowry avenues in north Minneapolis.

Le'Vonte's younger sister suffered a leg wound. 


Authorities say the children were hit during an exchange of gunfire between their father — Melvonte Lee Peterson — and 34-year-old Chris Maurice Welch.

Last respects for 2-year-old caught in shooting

Hennepin County announces charges


Le'Vonte's cousin — Pastor Danny Givens — said he wishes prosecutors would have been able to file charges sooner, but he's grateful that they did.


"There's a lot of cases out here that have gone unsolved because of similarities, and so thankful that we're able to begin the process of bringing justice here."

Prosecutors charged Welch with second-degree murder. According to the complaint, a person riding with Welch said Welch was driving and fired through his front passenger window at Peterson's minivan.


Prosecutors charged Peterson in the case in 2016 but later dismissed them.


At a news conference with police, County Attorney Mike Freeman said investigators had long suspected Welch.


"We simply didn't have sufficient evidence. But because of these officers and people in the community that care and want justice to be done, we finally have the evidence to charge and we have done so."

Welch is serving a 17-year federal sentence after a jury found him guilty last year of being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm.

Crime, Law and Justice

Shows

Morning Edition

NewsPartners

Matt Sepic

Author

Authorities say 2-year-old Le'Vonte King Jason Jones was hit during an exchange of gunfire between his father and 34-year-old Chris Maurice Welch on a north Minneapolis street. Prosecutors charged Welch with second-degree murder.

Prosecutors charge man in 2016 drive-by that killed Mpls. child

Leshae Jones Le'Vonte's mother and Pastor Danny Givens, Le'Vonte's cousin.

Matt Sepic | MPR News

Le'Vonte King Jason Jones' family speak with press

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announces murder charges

Prosecutors charge man in 2016 drive-by that killed Mpls. child

Go Deeper.

Like this?