Appeals court overturns conviction in the shooting death of Minneapolis North football star Deshaun Hill Jr.

The state Court of Appeals made a significant decision on Tuesday, overturning the conviction of the man accused of shooting and killing Deshaun Hill Jr., a talented football player and honor roll student at North High School in Minneapolis. The defendant, Cody Fohrenkam, was found guilty of second-degree murder in March 2023 and sentenced to a 38½-year term. However, the Court of Appeals ruled that Fohrenkam’s incriminating statements to law enforcement were obtained while he was unlawfully detained, leading to the reversal of his conviction and a call for retrial.

Fohrenkam, a 31-year-old resident of Minneapolis, was convicted of gunning down Hill in February 2022 during a chance encounter as the teenager was walking home from school. In his appeal, Fohrenkam argued that the statements he made to investigators while in custody should not have been used as evidence during his trial. The appeals panel agreed with Fohrenkam’s argument, stating that his statements were made during a period of continued detention without justification from the state. As a result, the Court of Appeals ordered Fohrenkam’s statements to be suppressed as the product of an unlawful seizure, prompting a retrial in District Court.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office responded to the Court of Appeals’ decision, expressing deep disappointment and emphasizing the devastating impact of gun violence on the community. The senseless act that took the life of Deshaun Hill shook those who knew and loved him, as well as the North High School community and beyond. The office stated that they are reviewing their options to ensure justice and accountability in this case, acknowledging the importance of addressing the tragic loss of Hill and the impact it has had on his loved ones.

Deshaun Hill’s story of determination and resilience in the face of adversity was highlighted in the documentary “Boys in Blue,” which focused on his efforts to overcome the challenges of living in north Minneapolis. The community has long struggled with poverty and crime, but Hill was determined to carve out a better future for himself and his family. The documentary showcased Hill’s football team and coaching staff, made up of police officers, in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in May 2020. The show unintentionally foreshadowed Hill’s untimely death, shedding light on the complexities of navigating life in a community marked by socioeconomic disparities and systemic challenges.

As this breaking news story continues to unfold, updates will be available on www.startribune.com. The Court of Appeals’ decision to overturn Cody Fohrenkam’s conviction in the murder of Deshaun Hill has sparked a renewed focus on the pursuit of justice and accountability in the case. The community continues to mourn the loss of a promising young athlete and scholar, while grappling with the need for systemic change to address the root causes of violence and inequality in north Minneapolis and beyond.