The family of Dale Henry Spry, one of two residents killed in a Minneapolis apartment shooting, has remembered the 63-year-old Army veteran as a peacekeeper, prankster and devoted uncle.
Spry and Muse A. Afrah, 61, were found shot dead on the ninth floor of Shoreline Plaza, in downtown Minneapolis, after Carlton Johnson II allegedly opened fire at the building on Wednesday, September 2.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said the violence began shortly after 4.30pm during a custody exchange involving Johnson and the mother of his child. The child was not physically injured, while the woman was taken to hospital.
Investigators said Johnson then entered the apartment complex and shot two employees before moving upstairs. He later exchanged gunfire with police officers, injuring Joseph Michnowski and Yahye Ahmed. A Minneapolis officer shot Johnson dead, according to investigators.
Family remembers Minneapolis shooting victim
Spry’s nephew, Kendall Coleman, said his uncle had grown up on the same Minneapolis street where he spoke about him, and recalled a man who was constantly joking with his family.
“I can just hear him,” Mr Coleman said, remembering Spry asking: “Nephew, what we got to eat and drink around here man?”
The pair were eight years apart and spent much of their childhood teasing one another. Mr Coleman also recalled how Spry would deliberately lead him through an alley known for its dogs.
“For some reason he always wanted to walk through the alley,” he said. “I think he just did that to scare me.”
But the memories have been overshadowed by the suddenness of Spry’s death.
“It just doesn’t make sense for him to be shot,” Mr Coleman said.
He said Spry’s instinct would have been to help others, even in the middle of the attack. “I know Dale would have tried to help him instead of hurt him,” he said of Johnson.
Mr Coleman said the shooting had left lasting pain for the family and questioned why Johnson had caused so much suffering.
He said he could still imagine his uncle offering reassurance in the aftermath: “Button up man, we’re gonna be all right.”
Mr Coleman has launched a fundraising appeal to help pay for Spry’s funeral and support his children.
Investigation continues at Shoreline Plaza
The BCA has not said that Spry or Afrah were specifically targeted. Investigators are continuing to examine Johnson’s movements, his relationship with those involved and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have described the incident as beginning with domestic violence. Johnson’s child’s mother, two building employees and three Minneapolis police officers were among those injured.
One of the injured employees, a property manager known as Jan, underwent several operations and was reported to be in a stable condition. Residents described her as friendly and attentive to what was happening in the building.
The Minnesota Multi Housing Association said the attack had highlighted the dangers faced by residential property staff.
“We’re once again heartbroken to see individuals in our industry getting victimized,” said Cecil Smith, of the association.
The Minneapolis Police Department said the incident took place at the building near 15 East Grant Street, in the Loring Park area. The BCA is leading the investigation.
