Maplewood man guilty of murder on Raspberry Island last year

In St. Paul, Minnesota, a 24-year-old man named Romello Markell Ifonlaja-Randle pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and possession of a firearm as a felon in connection with the shooting death of Marcus Anthony Baker Jr. The incident occurred on the night of August 14, 2024, on Raspberry Island, where Baker was with friends in a vehicle when they were confronted about playing music linked to local gangs. Ifonlaja-Randle, affiliated with west side gangs, became violent after Baker refused to comply with the group's demands. He slapped Baker and subsequently shot him, leading to a fatal encounter. After the shooting, Ifonlaja-Randle and his companions fled the scene, leaving behind two tequila bottles purchased earlier that day. Investigators were able to link the bottles to Ifonlaja-Randle through surveillance footage from a local Target store. The firearm believed to be used in the incident was recovered two days later and confirmed to have DNA matching Ifonlaja-Randle. Phone records also placed him at the crime scene during the time of the shooting. This event reflects ongoing issues related to gang violence and gun usage among young adults, showcasing a tragic lapse in community safety. Ifonlaja-Randle, who has a history of prior convictions for robbery and assault, faces sentencing on January 27, 2025, reinforcing the legal consequences of violent behavior and gang-related activities in the area.