Crime, Law and Justice

Two men sentenced for deadly mass shooting at downtown Minneapolis bar

A judge in Minneapolis on Tuesday handed lengthy prison sentences to two men convicted in a mass shooting inside a downtown bar last year.

Hennepin County Judge Juan Hoyos sentenced Arlonzo Williams Jr. to nearly 73 years in prison for the October murder of 21-year-old DaMarco Fletcher Jr.

Williams, 26, killed Fletcher on the dance floor of Bar Zia in downtown Minneapolis. Three other people were wounded.

Hoyos also sentenced Williams’ 25-year-old accomplice Dantrell Clark to nearly 60 years in prison.

A jury convicted the men of murder and attempted murder in July.

“This was a disturbing act of gun violence in a crowded area that led to the death of DaMarco Fletcher Jr., and substantial injuries to three others,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement after the two men were convicted. “They are being held accountable and our community will be protected from them.”

Minneapolis city inspectors shut down Bar Zia over an insurance violation several days after the shooting.

Prosecutors said bouncers initially checked the men for weapons, but didn't pat them down again after they left and re-entered the bar.