Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty to Fatal Gas Station Shooting
A 46-year-old Minneapolis man, Marvin Jewell Dancy, has entered a guilty plea for the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Wence Edwards at a gas station in February.
According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, Dancy pleaded guilty to second-degree unintentional murder and one count of illegal possession of a firearm. The charges stem from the shooting that occurred behind the Handy Stop gas station on West Broadway Avenue on February 6.
Surveillance footage showed that the shooting occurred around 10:40 p.m., near the gas pumps of the convenience store. Dancy was seen arriving in a gold Cadillac Escalade and entering the store before returning to his vehicle to refuel.
Edwards approached the store on foot and engaged in conversation with Dancy from a short distance in front of the Escalade. As Edwards attempted to move closer, Dancy drew his firearm and began firing at him multiple times. Edwards retreated and attempted to flee, discharging a single round as he ran away.
A witness to the incident fled the convenience store in his vehicle as the shooting commenced. According to the complaint, no one attempted to call 911 or assist Edwards until his body was discovered in the alley, prompting a call to the police.
Dancy was apprehended on February 23, and authorities recovered a .45 caliber revolver and approximately 2 grams of cocaine. He is set to be sentenced on December 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated, “Our thoughts are with Mr. Edwards’ family as we conclude the prosecution of Mr. Dancy. While nothing can restore Mr. Edwards to his loved ones, this resolution ensures accountability for Mr. Dancy’s actions and enhances the safety of our community.”