Man Involved in Minneapolis Shooting Had Custody Dispute and Illegal Guns, Court Records Show
In a tragic turn of events, a man from Minneapolis, identified as Shannon Gooden, opened fire on police officers and a firefighter, resulting in their deaths. The incident occurred in the affluent suburb of Burnsville during a response to a domestic disturbance call. Court records reveal that Gooden was embroiled in a custody and financial support dispute over his three oldest children, in addition to being in possession of illegal firearms.
The Call and Standoff
Authorities were alerted to the situation when a distressed caller reported that Gooden had barricaded himself inside his home with family members, including seven children aged 2 to 15. After hours of negotiations, law enforcement discovered Gooden’s lifeless body in the residence. The standoff occurred merely two days before a scheduled district court hearing regarding his ongoing legal disputes with the mother of his three oldest children. However, the exact reason for his desire to return to court remains unclear.
Legal Troubles and Gun Ownership
According to court records, Gooden was explicitly prohibited from owning firearms by the state due to a second-degree assault conviction in 2008. During that incident, he had reportedly thrown rocks and brandished a knife at an individual in a Burnsville shopping mall parking lot. Prosecutors highlighted his history of disregarding the law, including multiple traffic violations, to oppose his plea for restoring his gun rights in 2020. Although he expressed remorse and claimed personal growth, their objections prevailed.
Contentious Custody Disputes
Gooden’s disputes over the custody and parenting of his three oldest children had become increasingly contentious. Accusations of neglect and abuse were exchanged between him and the children’s mother. While he accused her of neglect, she labeled him as “controlling” and accused him of mistreating her and their children. The escalating tensions surrounding their parenting disagreements painted a concerning picture.
The Shooting and its Victims
Officers from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension spent a substantial amount of time negotiating with Gooden before the fatal shooting occurred. Tragically, the incident claimed the lives of Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, aged 27, and Adam Finseth, aged 40, who served as a firefighter and paramedic on the city’s SWAT team. Sergeant Adam Medlicott was also shot but survived and was subsequently released from the hospital. The loss of these dedicated individuals has deeply affected the community.
Past Assault and Legal Battles
Gooden had previously served five years’ probation for the 2007 assault charge. During that incident, he engaged in a confrontation with a young woman inside a mall, which escalated into threats and property damage. While he expressed regret and a desire to prove himself as a productive member of society, his actions continued to raise concerns.
Custody Battles and Court Orders
In addition to custody disputes, Gooden found himself entangled in legal battles over child support payments. A 2017 court order mandated him to pay $600 per month for his three oldest children’s support, along with $240 per month for their medical expenses. Gooden sought relief from these obligations but was unsuccessful. The judge appointed a temporary guardian to protect the children’s interests due to allegations of abuse and concerns regarding their mother’s mental health and witnessed altercations between their parents.
Resolution and Lack of Cooperation
Although the custody disputes appeared to be settled in mid-2022, conflicts persisted over schooling arrangements. Judge Thomas Gilligan Jr. expressed dismay over the lack of cooperation between the parents, stating that “there is little evidence of cooperation between the parties” at the start of 2023. The ongoing disagreements and strained relationship between Gooden and the children’s mother added further complications to an already troubled situation.
Conclusion
The tragic shooting incident involving Shannon Gooden in Minneapolis has shed light on his tumultuous personal life, marked by custody disputes, illegal gun ownership, and a history of assault. The culmination of these factors culminated in the devastating loss of several lives and left a community mourning. The details from court records reveal the challenges faced by Gooden and the complexities surrounding his relationships with his children’s mother. As the investigation continues, authorities and the community grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.