Minneapolis, Minn. — A morning of chaos unfolded in the city as a gunman allegedly carjacked a vehicle, leading to a violent chase that ended in tragedy, claiming the lives of two women. The incident began around 8 a.m. Thursday on East Lake Street, where Troy Mike Payton, 45, of St. Paul, reportedly stole a sedan and fired shots while navigating different neighborhoods.
Authorities stated that the pursuit lasted roughly half an hour before it culminated in a collision at a North Side intersection. Following the crash, two women, identified as 25-year-old Marisa Ardys Casebolt and her passenger, Liberty Borg, also 25, were pronounced dead. The women were driving when their vehicle was struck by Payton’s car. Borg’s young son, Greyson, who was in the vehicle at the time, suffered noncritical injuries and was treated at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Emergency responders transported Payton to North Memorial Health Hospital for treatment of injuries considered noncritical. Later that day, he faced charges in Hennepin County District Court, where he was formally accused of three counts related to causing significant harm while evading police. Payton was subsequently taken into custody and is being held on a $4 million bail, awaiting a court appearance scheduled for Monday. There is no attorney listed for him in court documents.
In addition to state charges, federal prosecutors have charged Payton with carjacking and using a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. A statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that carjacking leading to a loss of life could potentially carry the death penalty if convicted in federal court.
The Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph Thompson, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “Two young women should be alive today. Instead, their lives were cut short by a senseless crime committed by a career criminal,” he stated. Thompson voiced his frustration regarding ongoing violence and pledged to fight for peace in the community.
Payton’s history has raised concerns, as he has previously been known by the name Edward Tiki Arrington. His alleged actions on Thursday have sparked outrage and grief in the community, emphasizing the need for greater safety and justice.
Local authorities have committed to a thorough investigation into the events leading up to the crash, while families and friends of the victims mourn their devastating loss. The incident has prompted discussions about crime and violence in the area, and community leaders are calling for solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.