St. Paul, MN — Tragedy struck St. Paul’s vibrant Lowertown district as 66-year-old Carrie Shobe Kwok was fatally shot while engaged in an art project outside her residence at the Lowertown Lofts Artist Cooperative. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, has left the local community in mourning. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, speaking at a press conference, lamented the loss of a beloved community member who dedicated her time to enhancing the neighborhood’s aesthetic and spirit.
Authorities have identified the alleged assailant as 29-year-old Seantrell Tyreese Murdock of Belle Plaine, who was later killed by police during an attempted arrest at his residence early Thursday. According to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, Murdock succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has taken charge of investigating the police shooting incident. The identified officers involved, Aaron Bohlen and Lance Christianson, have since been placed on standard critical incident leave.
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry stated that surveillance video captured the deadly encounter, describing it as a horrifyingly cold-blooded act. Investigations have thus far indicated no prior connection between Kwok and Murdock, suggesting a random act of violence that has shaken the community.
Carrie Kwok, who only moved into the Lowertown Lofts in February, quickly became an integral part of the artist cooperative. Ben Krywosz, president of the cooperative, praised Kwok’s vibrant personality and active participation in community activities. As a mixed media artist, Kwok was known for her eclectic artwork, which spanned various mediums including clothing, jewelry, painting, and woodworking.
Her commitment to community art was evident in her involvement in a mural project intended for the upcoming St. Paul Art Crawl. Tara Tieso, chair of the Lowertown Artist Cooperative, recalled Kwok’s enthusiasm and proactive approach in sourcing materials and participating actively in the artistic process.
Tieso spoke highly of Kwok’s spirited presence and the joy she carried in her explorations and creations. The chair emphasized the value artists add to the urban fabric, highlighting their ability to evoke a sense of beauty and creativity in everyday life.
This year’s St. Paul Art Crawl, starting October 4, will honor Carrie Kwok’s memory, celebrating her contributions to the artistic community and the lasting impact she had on her peers and neighbors. Her unfinished mural stands as a poignant reminder of her creative spirit and the abrupt end to her life.
The local community and fellow artists continue to grapple with the loss, remembering Kwok as a shining light in their lives, whose enthusiasm and creativity brought them together in shared artistic endeavors. As investigations continue, the city mourns an artist whose life was dedicated to beautifying her surroundings and enhancing communal bonds through art.