Minneapolis, Minnesota – U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger, alongside law enforcement officials, announced on Thursday an indictment in the tragic Burnsville shooting that claimed the lives of three first responders. The indictment accuses Ashley Dyrdahl of straw purchasing the weapons used in the shooting. Dyrdahl allegedly collaborated with Shannon Cortez Gooden to provide firearms to Gooden, knowing he was legally prohibited from owning or possessing them due to being a convicted felon.
Reportedly, Dyrdahl, who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Gooden, purchased five guns for him between September 2023 and January 2024. This included two AR-15-style weapons used during the fatal standoff where Burnsville police officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand, along with paramedic Adam Finseth, lost their lives. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota emphasized that Dyrdahl and Gooden were fully aware of the illegal activity they were engaged in.
During a press conference at the U.S. Courthouse in Minneapolis, Luger affirmed the commitment to seeking justice for the fallen first responders and their families. According to the indictment, Dyrdahl is expected to surrender to U.S. Marshals and appear before a federal judge in St. Paul, facing a potential imprisonment term of up to 15 years.
Authorities responded to a domestic assault call on February 18, leading to Gooden opening fire and ultimately taking his own life after the standoff. Investigations have revealed that two of the guns used were involved in straw purchases, where firearms purchased by someone else ended up in Gooden’s possession.
The involvement of a federal grand jury in the shooting investigation suggests a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. Notably, Noemi Torres, the mother of three of Gooden’s children, was subpoenaed to testify in the case. The public funeral for all three first responders was held in late February, honoring their service and sacrifice.
Court records indicate a long history of domestic incidents in Dyrdahl and Gooden’s relationship, dating back approximately 15 years. The two shared a child together, born in 2016, but their relationship took a tumultuous turn in subsequent years, as documented in court filings outlining allegations of domestic violence and erratic behavior.
The saga of Dyrdahl and Gooden sheds light on the complexities of firearm regulations, domestic disputes, and the tragic consequences that can result from a disregard for public safety. As the legal proceedings unfold, the repercussions of their actions continue to reverberate within the community and law enforcement circles.