A Minneapolis man has been formally charged with multiple felony offenses, including second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter, following a violent assault that resulted in the death of one victim and the injury of another. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has confirmed that 42-year-old Coby Levan Richardson faces legal action after the attack, which unfolded outside a business on Lyndale Avenue South.
Minneapolis police responded to reports of an assault at approximately 12:20 p.m. on February 15 in the 2500 block of Lyndale Avenue South. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man lying unconscious in the parking lot with severe injuries. He was immediately transported to a hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a skull fracture, brain bleeding, and facial lacerations. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries three days later. An autopsy is currently pending.
Authorities state that a second man at the scene informed officers that he had also been assaulted by Richardson. According to police reports, this man and the deceased victim were friends and were together at the time of the altercation. Court documents suggest that the confrontation may have stemmed from a previous dispute weeks earlier, which had created ongoing tension between Richardson and the two men.
Surveillance footage from the scene provides crucial evidence in the case. The video allegedly shows Richardson approaching the victims, making verbal threats, and then punching both men in the face. One of the victims was struck with such force that he fell backward onto the concrete, hitting his head and losing consciousness. Tragically, he never regained consciousness before his death.
A witness to the incident, who was inside a vehicle nearby, later identified Richardson in a police lineup. This witness, a close friend of the deceased victim and the brother of the surviving victim played a crucial role in assisting law enforcement in their investigation. His testimony further corroborated the account of events provided by the injured victim.
Investigators also uncovered details of a prior altercation involving Richardson and the victims. According to court records, Richardson had previously confronted the two men at a local bar, demanding they buy him a drink. When they refused, Richardson and his associates allegedly made threatening gestures, mimicking the action of pulling a gun’s trigger. Although no physical violence occurred at the time, authorities believe this initial encounter may have contributed to the escalation that led to the fatal assault.
Richardson was arrested on Wednesday following an intensive police investigation. He now faces charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, threats of violence, and fifth-degree assault. If convicted, he could face significant prison time.
The incident has raised concerns among Minneapolis residents and business owners, many of whom are alarmed by the level of violence displayed in the attack. “It’s unsettling to think that something like this could happen in broad daylight in such a populated area,” said one local business owner who requested anonymity. “We’re all hoping that justice is served for the victim and his family.”
Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information about the case to come forward. As the investigation proceeds, Richardson remains in custody, awaiting his first court appearance, where prosecutors are expected to present the full details of the case against him.
This tragic event underscores the potential consequences of unresolved disputes and serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of violent confrontations. While law enforcement officials work to ensure accountability, the victim’s family and friends are left to mourn the loss of a loved one whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
