MINNEAPOLIS — A 21-year-old has been charged with a fatal drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a teenager in Minneapolis, using a firearm known as a ghost gun. Amariaun Antonio Thomas Thornton is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 12 regarding the incident which occurred in early July.
The shooting happened shortly after 8 p.m. on July 7, when police were called to the intersection of 27th Street West and Nicollet Avenue. Upon arrival, authorities discovered that an 18-year-old man, later identified as the victim, had been shot in the chest and driven to his home, about four blocks away, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
According to a witness, the victim and two others were getting out of a car when a white SUV approached. The assailant, reportedly driving the SUV, opened fire on the trio, prompting return fire from at least two individuals at the scene.
Law enforcement officials were able to track down the SUV used in the shooting through surveillance footage and a review of the vehicle’s registration information. It was revealed that Thornton was in possession of the vehicle at the time of the attack. Further investigation linked him to the crime scene through the geographical location data of his cell phone.
A critical piece of evidence in the case was the recovery of a 9 mm ghost gun, which matched the casings found at the site of the shooting. Ghost guns are characterized by their lack of a serial number, making them hard to trace. These firearms are typically assembled from parts that can be ordered online and do not require the gun owner to undergo a background check.
The term “ghost gun” reflects the difficulty that authorities face in tracing these weapons, as they do not have serial numbers. They have increasingly been involved in criminal activities, including drug operations and violent crimes, leading to heightened concerns among law enforcement agencies.
Adding to the legal complexities surrounding the issue, the state of Minnesota has seen judicial debates concerning the legality of banning ghost guns. Critics of the ban argue that the law is overly broad and unclear.
The rise in incidents involving ghost guns has prompted law enforcement to push for more stringent regulations to prevent their proliferation. According to state court data, the number of ghost guns intercepted in criminal activities has surged, prompting calls for tighter controls and more definitive legislation.
This case not only highlights the ongoing challenges with ghost guns but also raises broader questions about urban violence and gun control. As the community continues to grapple with these issues, the legal proceedings against Thornton will likely serve as a focal point in the broader debate on how to best address the complexities of gun violence and regulation.