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Elizabeth Baier

Officers involved in fatal Columbia Heights shooting identified

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State investigators have identified two officers involved in a fatal shooting in Columbia Heights Tuesday morning.

The Department of Public Safety says Columbia Heights Sgt. Erik Johnston and Fridley Officer Shawn Murphy shot 45-year-old Michael Kirvelay of Montrose after he refused to show his hands.

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension officials say the officers were responding to a report of a person with a gun at a Columbia Heights business.

Kirvelay's sister, 25-year-old Tiffany Kirvelay, says the family first thought it was a BB gun, but now isn't sure he had even that.

"Very emotional and hurt," Kirvelay said. "And I don't understand why they took my brother's life. I don't understand it."

Johnston is a 13-year veteran of the Columbia Heights department. Murphy has worked with the Fridley department for one year. Both are on standard administrative leave.