Deshaun Hill killing: Cody Fohrenkam's murder conviction thrown out

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The man convicted of murdering standout Minneapolis North student-athlete Deshaun Hill Jr will likely get a new trial, according to a ruling from the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed the conviction for Cody Fohrenkam, citing in part that the prosecutors "committed prejudicial misconduct during arguments" and that the state failed to show Forhenkam’s statements were lawfully obtained.

In the appeal, Fohrenkam, argued incriminating statements were made while he was unconstitutionally detained for a custodial interrogation. 

The state says Fohrenkam’s post-release detention was "merely the result of an administrative delay associated with standard release procedures". 

Cody Fohrenkam was sentenced to more than 38 years in prison for the murder of Deshaun Hill.

Fohrenkam was sentenced to 38.5 years for the murder of Hill in February 2023 after being found guilty in January 2023 of second-degree intentional murder and second-degree unintentional felony murder for shooting and killing 15-year-old Hill in February 2022 not far from the Minneapolis North Community High School.

Jurors took only about an hour to reach a guilty verdict against Fohrenkam for second-degree intentional murder.

A judge called Forhenkam's actions "senseless" during his sentencing hearing. 

Forhenkam maintained his innocence before his sentencing. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office is reviewing its options.