STILLWATER, Minn. — Editor's note: The video above first aired on June 6, 2021.
An Oakdale man will serve a 37-year prison sentence for his role in the shooting death of a young teen following a confrontation and gunfire exchange at a graduation party in Woodbury.
Prosecutors say 20-year-old Xavier Le’Drew Hudson received the sentence after being found guilty of 10 criminal counts - including aiding and abetting murder in the second degree - for taking part in the shootout that killed 14-year-old Demaris Hobbs Ekdahl on June 5, 2021.
The criminal complaint filed against Hudson says he was part of a group that confronted Ekdahl, his brother Davion Ekdahl and others with guns around 10:30 that night. Demaris and those he was with called the teen's stepfather Keith Dawson, who met the group in Maplewood and encouraged them to join him in returning to the party and confronting the others involved in the initial altercation.
Investigators said Dawson drove back to Woodbury in his SUV while the boys followed behind in another vehicle. After arriving in Woodbury, Dawson fired several shots in the direction of Hudson's group and drove away. The complaint says Hudson and his companions then opened fire on the other vehicle, with one bullet passing through the back of the car and hitting Demaris.
The 14-year-old was later pronounced dead at Regions Hospital from blood loss due to the gunshot wound.
“Today’s sentencing reflects the dedication of our prosecution team and law enforcement partners, sending a clear message that senseless violence is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Magnuson. “We are grateful that this long case has culminated in justice for Demaris, his family, and our community.”
Hudson remains in custody at the Washington County Jail awaiting his transfer to a state prison.
The victim's stepfather, Keith Dawson, earlier pleaded guilty to drive-by shooting in January of 2023 and is serving a seven-year prison sentence.
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