A man arrested last week as a suspect in the fatal North Minneapolis shooting of a St. Paul toddler is being released because of lack of evidence.
Chris Maurice Welch, 31, was arrested and booked Wednesday on suspicion of murder for the shooting of 2-year-old Le’Vonte King Jason Jones of St. Paul. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced Monday that it was deferring charges against Welch.
“Minneapolis police expended a great deal of effort and resources in investigating this tragic shooting death,” the county attorney’s office said in a statement Monday. “They will continue their investigation and remain in contact with the county attorney’s office. If additional evidence comes in, we will look at it for possible charges.”
Jones was killed July 8 while riding in a minivan with his father and younger sister. Someone in a black Chevrolet Impala fired on the minivan, striking both children, investigators say.
Their father, Melvonte Peterson, 25, of Brooklyn Center, returned fire and was charged with drive-by shooting and illegally possessing a gun. The younger child was injured in the shooting and is recovering.
Police have said they believe the occupants of the two vehicles knew each other.
A benefit fund to help the children’s family with funeral and medical bills has been established at GoFundMe.com.