BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (WCCO) — Police are trying to find out who murdered a Brooklyn Center man in his home Sunday night.
Neighbors are telling police they heard muffled gunshots coming from the home on the 5400 block of Girard Avenue during the Grammy Awards. But no one called police until 24 hours later, when the man didn’t show up for work.
Authorities say the victim owned the home, and it’s where his body was found Monday night. Police said the man was shot and it was not a random incident, he was targeted.
Neighbors heard popping noises coming from the house Sunday night, but there were no calls to police apparently because most did not believe the noise was gunfire. Ross Archer, a long-time neighbor of the residence, was surprised by the incident.
“Absolutely shocked. In 15 years I’ve never had anyone try and break into my house,” said Archer.
Archer knew the victim and can’t believe he was gunned down in his own home. Police said undercover narcotics officers were on the scene investigating the murder
“He seemed like a really nice guy, not like the kind not the kind who would get mixed up in drugs or anything so we are pretty stunned,” Archer said.
The victim, a man in his 40s, had bought the house last year for $105,000. Other neighbors said he was quiet, helpful and a devoted dog owner.
Brooklyn Center Police said all possible motives are on the table, but the murder is not random. They refused to elaborate on a possible motive. Neighbors are stunned.
“My husband grew up in this house and in 45 years nothing like this has ever happened,” said Jennifer Yaars.
Now Archer isn’t taking any chances. He said after this incident, he is keeping his handgun ready if needed.
“I keep it right down here. For someone to come into someone’s home like that, you bet,” he said.
Police have not released the man’s name because all of his extended family have yet to be notified. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Brooklyn Center Police.
