Mankato teen charged in 'execution-style' drug deal slaying
MANKATO, Minn. (FOX 9) - A Mankato man is charged with murder for an "execution-style" slaying that authorities say happened during an attempted cannabis cartridge sale.
Mankato man charged with murder
What we know: Charges were filed Monday against 18-year-old Guenther Boone Jr. in a deadly shooting over the weekend. Boone faces charges of second-degree murder, possession of a firearm with no serial number, and carrying a pistol without a permit.
He was arrested hours after the shooting in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 21. Police say the shooting happened outside Boone's home on the 500 block of East Walnut Street.
The victim, identified as 31-year-old Darious Dashon Johnson of Mankato, was found in a vehicle near Grove Street and South 2nd Street, about a mile from where the shooting occurred. He was pronounced dead at that location after police arrived.
Cart deal turned shooting
The backstory: According to the criminal complaint, a friend of Johnson's told police they had gone to Boone's home for a "cart deal." Police say "cart" refers to THC vape cartridges for e-cigarettes.
The witness said they pulled up to Boone's home, and he climbed into the back passenger seat. The victim said he heard Johnson say, "What you clutching bro?" to Boone. The complaint states Johnson appeared to be referring to Boone holding a gun.
According to the complaint, the witness said he heard a "pop" and Johnson was shot in the head.
Police say surveillance video shows Boone and another man approaching the witness' vehicle and then running away from the car shortly after. Speaking with the man with Boone, police said he heard a loud bang and ran off.
‘Execution-style’ killing
Digging deeper: According to the criminal complaint, detectives from the Mankato Police Department and Minnesota BCA spoke with Boone as they searched his home following the shooting.
Authorities say Boone initially denied being involved in the shooting. However, when confronted with the evidence authorities had gathered, the complaint states Boone changed his story.
According to the complaint, Boone said he "didn't mean to take him from his children" and admitted to shooting Johnson.
The charges explain, "Boone stated he shot [Johnson] in the head ‘execution style" and that Boone planned to rob the witness and victim and take the carts.
According to the complaint, Boone stated he saw the victim move his hand and fired, believing the victim had a gun—though he did not see one. Boone claimed he thought the victim had a firearm because Johnson had previously sold Boone a gun – the same gun Boone allegedly used to kill Johnson.
Police say Boone added that he attempted to fire a second shot, but the gun jammed.
A gun was found in the center console of the vehicle after Johnson's death. Johnson's friend said the gun had belonged to the victim.
Charges filed
What's next?: Boone made his first appearance in court on Monday for the case. He is being held on $1 million bail with conditions.
In the case file, it appears Boone's attorney has already filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing authorities lacked probable cause to arrest Boone.