Hennepin County attorneys filed charges Monday against two suspects in relation to the shooting death of Edward Rajual Howard Reynolds, 25, of Minneapolis on Oct. 16.
The suspects, Vilaysack Sirimanothay, 23, and Saroun Sareth, 24, were each charged with one count of second-degree intentional murder and one count of second-degree unintentional murder, according to a Hennepin County Attorney’s Office press release.
The shooting occurred in front of the Leaning Tower of Pizza restaurant at 2501 University Ave. S.E. Reynolds was pronounced dead from multiple gun shot wounds at approximately 3 a.m. Sunday.
Reynolds was fatally shot after exchanging gunshots with Sirimanothay, according to the press release.
The altercation started in the men’s restroom at Leaning Tower of Pizza, where Reynolds, Sareth and Sareth’s friend began to argue. Reynolds then returned to the table with his girlfriend.
After another verbal argument, police were called. When they arrived, Sareth and his friend were gone. Reynolds and his girlfriend left after speaking with police.
After police left, Sareth returned with Sirimanothay, as did Reynolds and his girlfriend. Reynolds, Sareth and Sirimanothay started to argue again outside the restaurant. Witnesses said that’s when the shooting happened, according to the press release.
Police found Reynolds’ gun at the scene, while a Glock pistol, at the end of its magazine, was found in the area of Huron Boulevard and Washington Avenue Southeast, according to the press release. Rounds were found unspent, and another high-capacity magazine was found near the gun, according to the press release.
Currently, one suspect, Sareth, is in custody at the Hennepin County Jail, with bail set at $750,000. He was arrested Wednesday.
Police are seeking the other suspect, Sirimanothay, Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar said.
Sareth admitted to driving the red Camaro used to flee the scene after the shooting, according to Hennepin County Attorney’s Office press releases.
“Even though he didn’t pull the trigger, because (Sareth) was significantly involved in aiding and abetting the murder, he will be charged in the same way as the other defendant,” Klobuchar said.
In cases of second-degree murder, judges usually assign the guideline sentence set by Minnesota state law, Klobuchar said. The guideline sentence for intentional second-degree murder is 25.5 years, and 12.5 years for second-degree unintentional murder, she said.
Sareth will appear in court for an arraignment today, where charges will be read, Klobuchar said. There will
be another appearance to present evidence before trial, and the trial is expected to begin within the next six months, she said.
Ron Reier, a spokesman for the Minneapolis Police Department, said the department is following more leads.
Charging a suspect in this case is a relief to the community, said Steve Johnson, deputy chief of University police, which helped respond to the shooting.
