Career Criminal Charged After Deadly Carjacking Spree in Minneapolis

Career Criminal Charged After Deadly Carjacking Spree in Minneapolis

A man labeled a career criminal faces federal charges in Minnesota, following a tragic carjacking spree that occurred on Thursday morning. This violent episode ended when he collided with another vehicle, resulting in heartbreaking injuries and fatalities.

Prosecutors reported that the crash claimed the lives of two women in their twenties and left a 6-year-old boy critically injured. Edward Tiki Arrington, 45, also known by the alias Troy Mike Payton, is accused of numerous attempted carjackings, successfully stealing one vehicle at gunpoint.

Details of the Incident

Arrington commandeered a Black Volkswagen Passat around 8 a.m., accelerating against oncoming traffic through North Minneapolis. This prompted law enforcement to initiate a police chase, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.

Officers attempted to pull him over as he drove towards downtown Minneapolis. However, Arrington evaded capture, speeding through the intersection of Penn Avenue and Olson Memorial Boulevard. At this intersection, he ran a red light and crashed into a blue Ford Focus sedan, which was legally navigating the intersection.

Fatal Consequences

The collision tragically took the lives of Marisa Ardys Casebolt and Liberty Borg, both 25-year-old residents of Minneapolis. According to Fox 9 Minneapolis, the six-year-old boy who was present in the back seat suffered serious injuries, including bilateral femur fractures and a traumatic brain injury. Most heart-wrenching of all, one of the women killed was the child’s mother.

Response from Law Enforcement

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “Two young women should be alive today. Instead, their lives were cut short by a senseless crime committed by a career criminal. They deserved better. We all deserve better. Minnesota deserves peace, and we will keep fighting to restore it.”

Pursuit of Justice

Following the initial carjacking, Arrington left the scene, retrieving the SUV he had been driving. He transferred his two dogs into the stolen Passat and attempted to carjack a woman in a black Jeep, threatening her with a firearm. Fortunately, she managed to escape unharmed.

Attempting further mayhem, Arrington allegedly accosted a pedestrian on a sidewalk, demanding to know the location of her firearms. After she denied having any weapons, he released her and sped off, reportedly firing a shot from the vehicle.

Criminal History and Charges

Arrington’s extensive criminal background includes multiple state convictions for assault and firearms-related offenses and a 2009 federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He now faces federal charges for one count of carjacking and one count of discharging a firearm during a violent crime.

If convicted, Arrington may face a minimum of 25 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Furthermore, the charges against him include provisions for the death penalty when carjacking leads to a fatality.

Additional Local Charges

In addition to federal charges, Arrington faces three felony charges in Hennepin County District Court for fleeing from a police officer.

Community Outrage

The rampage drew widespread condemnation from law enforcement officials. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara remarked that the repeat offender endangered the lives of many. He stated, “This violent suspect had an extensive criminal history and showed a complete disregard for the value of human life. His reckless and violent actions claimed the lives of innocent people and put countless others at risk.”

In collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office, the Minneapolis police are determined to ensure justice for the victims’ families.

Remembering the Victims

The impact of this tragedy extends beyond a legal case. A GoFundMe page created for Casebolt revealed that she leaves behind a partner and two young children—a 2-year-old and a 9-month-old baby. The post emphasized her devotion as a mother, stating, “Marisa was a loving mother and her babies were the most important things to her in the world, and now they have to learn to navigate the world without her.”

Just days before the crash, Borg shared joyful photos on social media, celebrating her son’s first day of first grade. Such moments illustrate the profound loss felt throughout the community.

Commitment to Change

The tragic events of that day serve as a stark reminder of the need for a collective response to violence. Communities and authorities must work together to promote safety and prevent such reckless acts in the future. As officials call for accountability and justice, the memory of the victims will continue to inspire efforts toward a more peaceful society.