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?
Matt Sepic
Minneapolis

Mpls. cops: arrest made in grandmother's crossfire killing

Sa'Lesha Beeks, daughter of Birdell Beeks, embraces Sgt. Chris Thomsen.
Sa'Lesha Beeks, daughter of Birdell Beeks, embraces Minneapolis Police Sgt. Chris Thomsen at a news conference at police headquarters where they announced they have made an arrest in the shooting death of Birdell.
Matt Sepic | MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

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

Show me!

Minneapolis police said Monday they've made an arrest in the May 26 shooting death of Birdell Beeks, a 58-year-old grandmother who was killed in gang crossfire as she sat in a minivan near the corner of 21st and Penn avenues north.

Beeks, well-known in the neighborhood, was not the intended victim and her death provoked outrage. She died from her wounds at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. A $10,000 award was offered for information about who killed her.

"This particular death hit our community hard," Mayor Betsy Hodges said at a news conference announcing the arrest.

Police Chief Janee Harteau said she would not yet release the suspect's name because she did want to spark retaliation. The suspect is expected to be charged and be in court for a first appearance on Tuesday.

Beeks' daughter Sa'Lesha Beeks praised police for the arrest, calling it an "amazing feeling to know my mom will have justice."