Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Brandt Williams
St. Paul, Minn.

Family of Fong Lee files appeal for new trial

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Lee's parents
Fong Lee's mother, Youa Vang Lee, and his father Nou Kai Lee, outside the federal courthouse in St. Paul Thursday afternoon. Fong Lee was killed by a Minneapolis police officer in 2006, and a federal jury rejected the family's claim that the officer used excessive force in the shooting.
MPR Photo/Tim Post

Today the family of Fong Lee filed a request for a new trial. Last week a jury ruled that Minneapolis police officer Jason Andersen did not use excessive force when the officer shot and killed Lee in 2006.

Lee family attorneys said the jury's verdict was based on "sympathy, passion, prejudice." They criticized pre-trial motions made by Judge Paul Magnuson which they say hurt their case - namely allowing testimony about Lee's gang membership.

The lawyers also accuse Magnuson of creating an atmosphere of fear for them in the courtroom. The charge is based on stern reprimands Magnuson made after family lawyer Michael Padden quickly placed a picture of Lee's bloody corpse on video screens in the courtroom. The picture had not been entered into evidence and Padden gave little warning before presenting it.

Minneapolis City attorney Jim Moore declined to comment.

Gallery
1 of 1
Lee's parents
Fong Lee's mother, Youa Vang Lee, and his father Nou Kai Lee, outside the federal courthouse in St. Paul Thursday afternoon. Fong Lee was killed by a Minneapolis police officer in 2006, and a federal jury rejected the family's claim that the officer used excessive force in the shooting.
MPR Photo/Tim Post