Alleged straw buyer in Burnsville first responder shooting expected to plead guilty
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The woman accused of buying guns that her boyfriend used to kill three first responders in Burnsville earlier this year is expected to plead guilty to federal charges.
A grand jury indicted Ashley Dyrdahl on charges of conspiracy, making false statements during a firearms purchase and straw purchasing.
Prosecutors say the 36-year-old bought guns for Shannon Gooden, who was prohibited from buying them himself because of a 2008 felony conviction.
In February, Gooden fatally shot Burnsville officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth in an ambush as the three responded to a domestic violence call. Investigators said Gooden used two AR-style rifles that Dyrdahl purchased before killing himself.
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U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger said in March that Dyrdahl acted on Gooden’s orders on what weapons to buy. Investigators found a text message from Dyrdahl to Gooden saying that they needed to be careful as he chose the firearms and Dyrdahl picked them up.
“In a second chilling text message exchange, Dyrdahl asked Gooden how he liked a new Glock 47 semiautomatic pistol that she had just purchased for him. He responded by sending her a video in which he loaded the Glock 47 with an extended magazine,” Luger told reporters then. “She responded with a smiling heart emoji.”
Dyrdahl lived in the home with Gooden, as did seven children who were present at the time of the shooting.
The standoff began when officers responded to a 911 call about alleged sexual abuse.
Court documents show that in 2017, Dyrdahl had accused Gooden of domestic violence and requested a protection order. Court documents show at least three women had filed for protection orders against him.
Dyrdahl was scheduled to face trial beginning Dec. 2, but now a judge has set a change of plea hearing for Dec. 18.
If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation with a partner, there is a 24-hour statewide domestic and sexual violence hotline. You can call Minnesota Day One at (866) 223-1111 or text (612) 399-9995.
