Riah Samuels Obituary, Death; – The Minneapolis Police Department is currently investigating two distinct homicides that took place just hours apart on Sunday morning.

According to information provided to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS by the Minneapolis Police Department, the first shooting occurred at approximately 1:49 a.m. in the vicinity of the 1500 block of Lake Street East.

Upon their arrival, police discovered a man suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

Additionally, a second individual arrived at the hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot injuries, which police believe were sustained during the same shooting incident.

The second homicide occurred several hours later, around 7:54 a.m., near the 1400 block of Russell Avenue North.

Police reported that officers arrived at the scene and found a woman who had sustained life-threatening gunshot wounds. Despite the officers’ attempts at CPR and other life-saving interventions, she was declared dead at the scene.

Authorities believe that this shooting may be related to domestic violence. They indicated that the shooter fled the area prior to their arrival.

Family members have identified the victim as 34-year-old Riah Samuels. The victim’s aunt mentioned that she had posted on Facebook about the suspect stalking her just hours before the tragic event.
Samuels stepped outside her home around 8 a.m., and in an instant, her life was irrevocably altered.

“My niece was shot by a violent ex-boyfriend from whom she had obtained a restraining order. He ambushed her and shot her not just five times, but ten times, right in front of her house,” stated Carolyn Brooks, the victim’s aunt.

Her family recounted that she attempted to escape by getting into her car, but the suspect shot and killed her.

“My niece was beautiful and vibrant; she was a private person. She worked as a dog groomer,” Brooks added.

Samuels had just celebrated her 34th birthday last month with her two children. Now, her family is faced with the task of planning her funeral.

“It’s unimaginable. She was the last person who deserved this to happen to her,” expressed Avonne Winston, a family member.

Family members believe Samuels’ ex-boyfriend is responsible for the killing. Her aunt said Samuels had a restraining order against him.

“Mariah will be the fourth woman in our family that was murdered by someone that said that they loved them,” Winston said. “It’s a horrible, tragic loss that didn’t have to happen.”

The family is pushing for change by calling for more resources to protect domestic violence victims.

“Believe the red flags. Do not underestimate. Do not think ‘He won’t do it to me.’ Call, call, call the police. If the police are not doing anything, go above and beyond. Protect yourself at all costs,” Bianca Dennie, family member, said. “With all women, it’s time for us to take a stand and stop letting these men take our lives because they can’t control their emotions.”

The family is fundraising for Samuels’ two children who lost their mother. If you’d like to help them through the tragedy, visit their GoFundme to donate.

No arrests have been made in either shooting.

“In recent weeks, our city has seen far too much senseless violence in a short period of time,” said Police Brian O’Hara. “The Minneapolis Police Department will continue to work urgently to hold those responsible accountable, but we cannot do that alone. I urge anyone who knows something about these heinous acts to come forward and help us stop the violence.”

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