Appeals court overturns conviction in fatal shooting of Minneapolis teen Deshaun Hill

In an appeal against the jury's verdict, Fohrenkam argued that he was unconstitutionally detained for questioning early in the investigation of the case.

Police began searching for Fohrenkam as a suspect shortly after the shooting and discovered he was in custody in Carlton County for an unrelated criminal case. Investigators arrived to question him more than an hour after his scheduled release date.

The appeals court ruled Tuesday that the state failed to prove that Fohrenkam's statements were legally obtained. Since these statements could have affected the outcome of the original trial, the court overturned the conviction.

A spokesperson for the Hennepin County Attorney's Office said prosecutors are determining the next steps in the case.

“The senseless act of gun violence that took the life of Deshaun Hill has devastated those who knew and loved him as well as everyone in the North High School community and beyond,” the spokesperson said . “We are deeply disappointed with this decision.”

Prosecutors can appeal the court's decision to the state Supreme Court. If Fohrenkam is granted a new trial, the case will be returned to district court.

The criminal complaint says witnesses and surveillance video showed Fohrenkam at the scene of the Feb. 9, 2020, shooting. The complaint does not detail the motive, but prosecutors said during the trial that Fohrenkam became increasingly angrier after a stranger hit him. and stole her phone earlier today.