Chris Welch Charged With Second-Degree Murder in 2016 Drive-By Shooting That Killed Two-Year-Old Le’Vonte Jones in Minneapolis.4825
MINNEAPOLIS — Nearly three years after a drive-by shooting in north Minneapolis resulted in the death of a two-year-old child, prosecutors have filed second-degree murder charges against a 34-year-old man.
Chris Welch was formally charged in Hennepin County Attorney’s Office in connection with the July 8, 2016, death of Le’Vonte King Jason Jones.
The Minneapolis Police Department announced that new witness statements and cellphone data played a key role in advancing the case.
Le’Vonte was seated in the back of a minivan at the time of the shooting.
His 15-month-old sister was also inside the vehicle.
Authorities say both children were struck during an exchange of gunfire between individuals in separate vehicles near a north Minneapolis intersection.
Le’Vonte sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and later died from his injuries.
His sister was struck in the leg and survived.
According to court documents, investigators believe Welch and the children’s father, Melvonte Peterson, exchanged gunfire from their respective vehicles.
Peterson, who was driving the minivan, was identified as the boyfriend of the children’s mother at the time.
Surveillance footage from the area reportedly showed Peterson’s vehicle pulling up next to a black Chevrolet Impala before shots were fired.
The city’s ShotSpotter system recorded two shots, followed seconds later by nine additional gunshots.
Officials have not publicly stated who fired first.
Welch was initially arrested in 2016 but was later released due to insufficient evidence.
The case remained open as investigators continued to pursue leads.
Over time, new witnesses came forward with information about an alleged dispute between Welch and Peterson.
Investigators said Welch believed Peterson had stolen from him.
Witnesses told police that Welch had expressed anger toward Peterson prior to the shooting.
Homicide detectives re-interviewed individuals who had been with Welch on the day of the incident.
In January, detectives obtained cellphone records that placed Welch in the area at the time of the shooting.
Prosecutors said the combination of witness testimony and digital evidence led to the filing of second-degree murder charges.
Welch is currently serving a federal prison sentence on unrelated gun charges.
He is scheduled for release in 2033.
Court records indicate that Welch has not yet entered a plea in the new case.
Under Minnesota law, second-degree murder charges require prosecutors to prove that the defendant caused the death of another person with intent but without premeditation.
Welch is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The case has drawn renewed attention in Minneapolis, where Le’Vonte’s death deeply affected the community.
Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the department remained committed to seeking justice in cases involving children.
“When children are shot and killed, our entire city mourns,” he said during a news conference.
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman emphasized the careful review undertaken before filing charges.
He said cases involving young victims receive particular scrutiny.
Le’Vonte’s mother, LeShae Jones, described her son as energetic and joyful.
She said that while charges cannot undo the loss, she feels some relief that the case is moving forward.
“Today feels like the beginning of what justice could look like,” she said in an interview.
In the years since the shooting, the case has seen multiple legal developments.
In January 2017, Peterson was arrested and charged with murder, manslaughter and neglect in connection with his son’s death.
Those charges were later dismissed by a judge who criticized prosecutors for insufficient evidence at that time.
The dismissal left the case unresolved until the recent developments.
Community members recall the shock that followed the 2016 shooting.
The intersection where it occurred became a gathering place for vigils.
Residents placed flowers, candles and stuffed animals in memory of Le’Vonte.
City leaders said the renewed charges reflect the importance of persistence in unsolved cases.
They noted that cooperation from witnesses can change the course of long-standing investigations.
Investigators said they reviewed forensic evidence, ballistic analysis and digital records in the years following the shooting.
The additional witness interviews provided context about the relationship between Welch and Peterson.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the alleged dispute.
They also have not publicly described the specific forensic findings linking Welch to the fatal shot.
Legal analysts say the case will likely focus on the exchange of gunfire and the issue of intent.
The defense may examine questions about who initiated the shooting and how events unfolded.
The prosecution must demonstrate that Welch’s actions meet the elements required under Minnesota’s second-degree murder statute.
Welch remains incarcerated on the federal conviction while the state case proceeds.
A timeline for court proceedings has not yet been announced.
Le’Vonte’s family has continued to speak publicly about the impact of his death.
Relatives say they remain focused on honoring his memory while following the legal process.
Rev. Danny Givens, a cousin of the child, expressed appreciation for investigators’ continued work.
“We’re thankful they did not give up,” he said.
The case has also prompted broader discussions about gun violence in urban communities.
City officials have emphasized prevention efforts and community partnerships aimed at reducing retaliatory disputes.
Advocates say that the presence of children during violent incidents highlights the need for conflict resolution and support services.
Minneapolis police have encouraged anyone with additional information about the case to come forward.
They say cooperation from community members was instrumental in advancing the investigation.
As the legal process unfolds, the court will examine evidence gathered over several years.
The outcome will depend on testimony, forensic analysis and the interpretation of state law.
For Le’Vonte’s family, the case represents both a legal milestone and a continuation of their grieving process.
They say no court decision can replace the child they lost.
However, they hope the proceedings will provide clarity and accountability.
Le’Vonte King Jason Jones was laid to rest in July 2016.
Nearly three years later, prosecutors say they are prepared to present their case.
The charge against Chris Welch marks a significant step in an investigation that has remained active since that summer evening.
As hearings are scheduled and motions are filed, the city continues to reflect on the lasting impact of the shooting.
For many residents, Le’Vonte’s name remains a reminder of the importance of sustained investigative efforts.
The case now moves forward in Hennepin County court, where evidence will be examined and arguments presented.
The final determination will rest with the judicial system as it evaluates the facts surrounding the death of a two-year-old child in Minneapolis.
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