St. Paul Man Faces Homicide Charges After Tire Iron Assault Turns Deadly
St. Paul, Minnesota — A violent altercation that began as an assault has now escalated into a homicide investigation, as a St. Paul man is facing serious criminal charges following the death of a man he allegedly attacked with a tire iron. Authorities say the incident occurred earlier this month and has left the local community shaken by its brutality.
According to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, 34-year-old Marcus Delroy Harris of St. Paul has been charged with second-degree intentional homicide after the victim, identified as 41-year-old DeShawn Terrell Williams, succumbed to injuries sustained in a brutal assault on the city’s East Side.
A Violent Attack in Broad Daylight
Police say the incident took place on July 26 around 2:15 p.m. near the intersection of East 7th Street and Arcade Street, a heavily trafficked area lined with small businesses, bus stops, and apartment buildings. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing an altercation unfold between two men, which quickly turned violent.
According to the criminal complaint, Harris allegedly retrieved a tire iron from the trunk of his vehicle during the argument and repeatedly struck Williams in the head and upper body. Several witnesses said they screamed at Harris to stop, but he continued the assault even after Williams fell to the ground, motionless and bleeding.
Paramedics arrived shortly after the attack and transported Williams to Regions Hospital in critical condition. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead two days later due to severe head trauma. An autopsy conducted by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the cause of death was blunt force injuries consistent with being struck by a heavy object multiple times.
Charges Elevated to Homicide
What was initially classified as an aggravated assault quickly turned into a homicide investigation following Williams’ death. Prosecutors moved swiftly to upgrade the charges against Harris from first-degree assault to second-degree murder.
“This was a horrific act of violence carried out in broad daylight, witnessed by multiple members of the community, including children,” said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi. “Our office is committed to pursuing justice for the victim and ensuring accountability for this senseless loss of life.”
Harris was taken into custody without incident later that evening at his residence in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. He is currently being held at the Ramsey County Jail on a $1 million bond and is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing next week.
Possible Motive: Personal Dispute Turned Deadly
While authorities have not released a confirmed motive, preliminary reports suggest the confrontation may have stemmed from a longstanding personal dispute between the two men. Witnesses overheard heated arguments about a past debt and accusations of betrayal before the attack occurred.
Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and interviewing additional witnesses to piece together the full chain of events leading up to the assault.
“This appears to be an act of rage fueled by personal animosity,” said a spokesperson for the St. Paul Police Department. “It’s a tragic reminder of how quickly violence can escalate when conflict resolution turns into retaliation.”
Community Reactions and Concerns
Residents and community leaders in St. Paul’s East Side have expressed outrage and concern over the deadly attack, calling for more violence prevention programs and community-based conflict resolution resources.
“This kind of violence has no place in our neighborhoods,” said Maria Lopez, a local activist and member of the Payne-Phalen District Council. “We need to look at how we can intervene earlier in these situations before they lead to fatal outcomes.”
A small vigil was held near the site of the attack days after Williams’ death, with family members and community members gathering to honor his memory and call for peace.
DeShawn Williams, described by friends and family as a “kind soul with a big heart,” was a father of three and worked as a security guard. His sister, Jasmine Williams, told reporters that her brother had struggled in the past but was “trying to turn his life around.”
“No one deserves to die like that,” she said through tears. “He didn’t even get a chance to defend himself.”
Legal Proceedings Ahead
If convicted, Marcus Harris faces up to 40 years in prison. His defense attorney has not yet released a public statement. The court may also consider the presence of aggravating factors, including the use of a weapon and the severity of the injuries inflicted.
The case has reignited conversations in St. Paul around interpersonal violence, mental health, and the importance of de-escalation resources.
Police continue to ask anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the St. Paul Police Department’s homicide unit.
As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to grieve the violent and tragic death of DeShawn Williams, hoping that justice will be served and that lessons will be learned to prevent similar acts in the future.
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