Tragic Shooting in South St. Paul Claims Life of St. Olaf College Football Player
A devastating incident occurred in South St. Paul early Friday morning, resulting in the fatal shooting of St. Olaf College football player Matthew Lee. According to charges filed on Tuesday, the shooting took place inside a home in the 300 block of Second Avenue South, where Lee was visiting friends and family. The charges state that Terrell Anthony Ranzy, 19, of St. Paul, fired several shots when Keith Woodson Cox, 20, attempted to rob him at gunpoint.
Lee, a junior linebacker at St. Olaf College, was hit twice by the gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene. Woodson Cox suffered gunshot wounds to his arms and torso and was rushed to the hospital. A witness described Lee as an “innocent bystander” in the incident. The charges against Ranzy include second-degree unintentional murder, second-degree manslaughter, and possession of a firearm by an ineligible person.
Background and Events Leading Up to the Shooting
Matthew Lee, a 2023 South St. Paul High School graduate, was home visiting his mother, grandfather, and friends during a break from the football season. St. Olaf football coach James Kilian described Lee as a “great teammate” and a “great kid” who always had a positive attitude. Lee was an economics major and a well-liked member of the college community.
According to the complaint, Ranzy and Woodson Cox were comparing guns in the bedroom when Woodson Cox attempted to rob Ranzy. Ranzy fired his gun, hitting both Woodson Cox and Lee. The witness stated that both Woodson Cox and Ranzy fired their guns during the incident, and two people jumped out of the window to avoid the gunfire.
Ranzy, who has a prior conviction for felony threats of violence, is prohibited from possessing firearms. He was wanted for failing to appear at an arraignment hearing in Ramsey County and has a history of violent behavior. The search of the bedroom yielded 14 discharged casings from two guns, and Ranzy was found hiding in a shed three blocks away from the scene.
Aftermath and Charges
Ranzy was arrested and charged with second-degree unintentional murder, second-degree manslaughter, and possession of a firearm by an ineligible person. His attorney, Alex Vian, requested that he be released on $10,000 conditional bail, arguing that Ranzy acted in self-defense. However, the prosecution requested a $750,000 bail, which was granted. Ranzy is due to appear in court again on September 25.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the St. Olaf College community, with many mourning the loss of Matthew Lee. The college has offered support and counseling services to students and staff affected by the tragedy. As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the senseless loss of a young life.
Terrell Anthony Ranzy (Courtesy of the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office)
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