MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A man and a teenager have been charged in the beating death of a homeless man in north Minneapolis, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced.
On Monday, the attorney’s office charged Willis Esposito Richardson, 23, of Minneapolis and Andre Zedrick Steward Jr., 17, of Richfield with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. The charges are in connection to the June 29, 2012, beating of Harry Lee Brown, 50, who had no permanent address.
According to authorities, Richarson and Steward “wanted to rob someone” and attacked Brown near Bryant Avenue North and 18th Street. Richardson allegedly hit Brown in the legs with a baseball bat. Steward allegedly punched Brown in the face, causing him to hit his head on the sidewalk.
On Sunday, Brown died from the blunt force head injuries, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Stewart told police they took $5 from Brown and used it to buy liquor.
Stewart made his first appearance in juvenile court Monday. Richardson is scheduled to make an appearance Tuesday.
Since Stewart is over 16 and charged with a felony, he is presumed to be an adult and the information is public. The attorney’s office has filed a motion to have him tried as an adult.
