ST PAUL, Minn. — The St. Paul Police Department released body camera video from the officers who shot and killed a man believed to be a suspect in a murder the night before.
Police had sought the man, identified as 29-year-old Seantrell Murdock, in connection to a murder that occurred Wednesday night in St. Paul.
Police say officers monitored a house on the 100 block of Meridian Street in Belle Plaine overnight after the license plate number from the suspect's vehicle was listed to the home. Police say a man matching the description of the suspect was seen leaving the home at around 6:30 a.m. when body cameras capture officers yelling, "Let me see your hands." One officer is heard yelling, "Gun! Gun!" before multiple shots were fired.
The officers who fired their weapons were identified as Aaron Bohlen, who has worked in law enforcement for 10 years, and Lance Christianson, who has worked in the field for 20 years, according to the BCA. Both officers have been put on standard administrative leave.
While officers were putting handcuffs on Murdock, he was heard asking officers, "Why did you shoot me?" One officer responded, "Because you had a gun in your hand." A gun is seen lying next to Murdock after the shots were fired.
Murdock was transported to HCMC, where he later died.
The BCA said Murdock was a suspect in a murder that occurred Wednesday, Sept. 25 near the 200 block of East Kellogg Boulevard. The woman was later identified as 66-year-old Carrie Kwok of St. Paul. Lowertown Lofts Artists Cooperative confirmed on Facebook that Kwok was one of its members and she was shot while working on an art project outside the building.
“This has been a very sad time for our city and the families of those impacted by the loss of a loved one,” said St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry in a statement. “We stand committed to being transparent and accountable for our actions and we hope the release of these videos will help answer some of the questions people have. The families, our community, and our officers will continue to be our priority as this independent investigation moves forward.”