A man has been found guilty of second-degree intentional murder after a fatal shooting incident following a funeral reception in St. Paul in early 2023. The jury acquitted him of charges related to the death of his cousin, who was also caught in the gunfire. The accused, 54-year-old John Lee Edmondson, faced trial for the shooting death of local chef Larry Jiles Jr., which occurred outside a senior-living complex in the Frogtown neighborhood on February 23, 2023. Though acquitted of first-degree charges, Edmondson was implicated in the events that led to this tragic outcome.
The shooting incident left three others wounded after an argument escalated outside the apartment building located at University Avenue and Dale Street. Law enforcement officials recovered 39 shell casings from the scene, with five different firearms involved, including ten shots fired by Edmondson. The jury’s deliberation spanned nine hours over two days, following extensive witness testimony under the jurisdiction of Ramsey County District Judge Leonardo Castro.
Edmondson, hailing from St. Louis Park, claimed self-defense and defense of others in the shooting that resulted in Jiles’ and Kennedy’s deaths. His legal representative expressed relief at the acquittal of first-degree murder charges, which would have resulted in a life sentence. The courtroom was under tight security to prevent any conflicts, given the emotional nature of the case, especially after tensions flared during the trial.
Sentencing for Edmondson is set for June 11, with potential prison time ranging from approximately 23 to 32½ years, as per Minnesota sentencing guidelines. This conviction follows a past conviction for aiding and abetting unintentional murder in 1994 when Edmondson was 22.
The tragic event unfolded in February 2023 when officers responded to reports of a shooting behind Frogtown Square Apartments. Chef Larry Jiles Jr. succumbed to gunshot wounds to the neck, while an autopsy revealed that his cousin, Troy Kennedy, sustained fatal injuries from gunfire. The gathering at the senior complex, where the shooting took place, was a family event in memory of 80-year-old Edna Scott, to whom both victims were related.
The confrontation, captured on video, unfolded quickly, leaving little time for discernment before shots were fired. Edmondson testified that he approached Jiles, who appeared to be armed, in an attempt to prevent further violence. However, the defense’s claim of self-defense was complicated by witness accounts suggesting Jiles was unarmed.
Additional cases related to the gun battle have emerged, though some have been dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Meanwhile, the family of Troy Kennedy continues to seek justice and accountability for his death. Edmondson’s past criminal history includes a previous murder conviction linked to a botched robbery, but he had maintained a relatively clean record until the current charges.
Impact on Daily Life
The conviction and surrounding events underline the ongoing challenges communities face regarding violence and safety. For residents of St. Paul and similar urban areas, such incidents can heighten concerns about public safety and underscore the complexities involved in gun-related offenses. Community trust in law enforcement and judicial processes can be impacted, influencing local perceptions of justice and security.
The case highlights the importance of community engagement and dialogue to address the roots of violence and foster safer environments. With tensions rising during the trial, the situation exemplifies the need for conflict resolution and preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies. Furthermore, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential long-term ramifications on families and communities torn apart by violence.