March 26, 2024 (St. Paul) A man has been found guilty of murder in the shooting death of Demitri G. Ellis-Strong at Central Station in St. Paul in 2022.
Shawn Michael Tillman, 34, was sentenced Monday following the jury’s verdict. Tillman will serve a life term without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder.
During the two-week trial, prosecutors from the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office described the murder of Ellis-Strong as particularly callous.
“Yesterday’s verdict brought some relief and a measure of justice to the victim’s family and our community,” said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi. “We are grateful to the Metro Transit Police investigators, as well as our prosecutors for their tireless work to bring this case to a successful conclusion.”
“Mr. Tillman committed the most heinous of crimes and we are pleased that justice was served. I want to applaud the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for their partnership and diligent work to reach this outcome. I also want to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Ellis-Strong. While this does not ease the pain of losing a loved one in such a tragic manner, I hope the assurance that his killer will remain behind bars for the rest of his life will bring a small sense of closure,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Ernest Morales III.
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Contact: Nikki Muehlhausen | 763-264-9913 | [email protected]
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