MINNEAPOLIS — According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, Zyere Porter was taken into custody around 2 p.m. on June 26 after officers executed a search warrant in the 7800 block of Terrace Road NE in Spring Lake Park. The arrest was made without incident. Porter was booked into the Hennepin County Jail on suspicion of murder.
“I am grateful for the thorough and dedicated investigative work that led to the arrest of this individual,” said Chief O’Hara. “As the investigation proceeds, I hope this arrest brings some level of justice and comfort to the victims and their loved ones.”
The shooting occurred on the night of June 1 at Boom Island Park, where a large group had gathered, reportedly for a barbecue. Gunfire erupted shortly after 9:30 p.m. near 11th Avenue NE and Sibley Street NE.
Stageina Katraya Shapryia Whiting, 23, of Brooklyn Center, was found with a life-threatening gunshot wound and transported to Hennepin Healthcare, where she later died. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner confirmed her identity.
Six other adults were injured:
- Two men were transported by EMS to Hennepin Healthcare with gunshot wounds.
- One man was taken to North Memorial Medical Center by EMS.
- Two more men arrived at area hospitals on their own, one at Hennepin Healthcare and one at North Memorial.
- A woman was also transported by EMS to Hennepin Healthcare with minor injuries, though she was not struck by gunfire.
Police reported that one of the male victims suffered life-threatening injuries, while the others sustained non-life-threatening wounds.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the large gathering escalated into violence. The motive and full sequence of events remain under investigation. Minneapolis Police and Park Police responded to the scene, secured the area, and canvassed for evidence with assistance from forensic specialists.
“This level of violence is absolutely sickening,” O’Hara said following the shooting. “Our investigators will work diligently to bring whoever is responsible to justice.”
Police urge anyone with information to contact investigators by emailing policetips@minneapolismn.gov or leaving a voicemail at 612-673-5845. Anonymous tips can be submitted to CrimeStoppers of Minnesota or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tipsters may be eligible for a financial reward if the information leads to an arrest and conviction.
The investigation remains active. This is a developing story.
