MINNEAPOLIS — A 19-year-old Minneapolis man has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for his role in a fatal shooting inside Mall of America in December 2022.
Taeshawn Adams-Wright pleaded guilty in March to charges of second-degree murder in the shooting that killed 19-year-old Johntae Hudson inside the Nordstrom store.
A criminal complaint in the case alleged then-18-year-old Adams-Wright was involved in an altercation between two groups of teens when shots were fired, killing Hudson and injuring a woman. Adams-Wright and two other then-17-year-olds were later arrested at an apartment in St. Louis Park, while a third then-17-year-old was arrested after fleeing to Georgia.
Adams-Wright read a statement of apology at Thursday's sentencing hearing.
"I want to apologize for bringing pain and suffering to the victim's family, also to the lady who got shot," Adams-Wright said. He cited the influences of movies, music and video games, but told the court he takes responsibility. "I know and understand what I did was wrong, I accept full responsibility for my actions ... I cannot take back my actions, I truly apologize for my actions."
In delivering the sentence, the judge admonished Adams-Wright for previous claims of self-defense.
"You and several others decided to hunt someone down and execute them," Judge Paul Scoggin said. "We've all seen that tape, and there can be no other definition of what happened that day. Your recitation of acting in self-defense that day? You weren't. You participated with a group of people to kill someone and it's as simple as that."
Adams-Wright will receive credit for 524 days already served. He was also sentenced to six months for second-degree assault, which will be served concurrently with the murder sentence.
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