Tragedy in South Minneapolis: Leras Rainey, Ramone Day, and Mj White Identified Among Three Killed in Devastating Mass Shooting Near 25th Street and Bloomington Avenue
Minneapolis, MN — April 30, 2025 — A tight-knit Minneapolis community is reeling from a horrifying act of violence after three people were killed and two others wounded in a mass shooting late Monday night. The incident occurred just before midnight on April 29 near 25th Street and Bloomington Avenue in South Minneapolis, an area that has long struggled with cycles of violence and grief.
The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered a grim scene: five victims, some inside a vehicle, others on the street. The incident unfolded in a matter of moments, yet its impact will be felt for a lifetime.
Victims Identified: Lives Stolen Too Soon
Authorities have identified the three deceased as:
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Leras Rainey, a young man known to his friends as a compassionate and hardworking individual with dreams of starting a landscaping business.
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Ramone Day, described by neighbors as “gentle and family-oriented,” who leaves behind a young daughter and grieving parents.
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Mj White, a 24-year-old woman remembered by loved ones as joyful, creative, and fiercely loyal to her community. She had recently begun working at a local youth shelter, committed to making a difference.
Two other individuals, whose names have not been released, were transported to area hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Both are expected to survive, but remain under medical supervision.
No Arrests Yet: Police Plead for Community Assistance
As of April 30, no arrests have been made, and the Minneapolis Police Department’s Homicide Unit is leading an active investigation. Early reports suggest that the victims were targeted, though the motive remains unclear. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is currently being reviewed, and detectives are canvassing the area for witnesses.
“This is yet another heartbreaking example of senseless gun violence shattering families and communities,” said MPD spokesperson Garrett Partlow. “We are asking anyone who was in the area at the time or who has any information — no matter how small — to come forward.”
Tips can be submitted anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through the city’s Tip411 system.
A Community in Mourning
Shockwaves from the shooting have reverberated throughout South Minneapolis, especially in the neighborhoods near Little Earth and Midtown, which have long been marked by resilience but also scarred by gun violence.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, makeshift memorials began to appear near the scene — candles, handwritten messages, and photos of the victims laid gently near bullet-ridden pavement. Community leaders, including representatives from the NAACP, MADDADS, and local clergy, gathered to demand justice and call for peace.
“Our hearts are broken,” said community organizer Angela Red Bear. “We are tired of burying our young people. We are tired of trauma being normalized. We want safety. We want justice. We want change.”
Ongoing Crisis: Gun Violence in Minneapolis
The mass shooting is part of a troubling trend in the Twin Cities, where gun violence — though statistically down from the peak levels of 2021–2022 — continues to leave families devastated and communities traumatized. This marks the 12th homicide in Minneapolis in 2025, according to city data.
Local advocacy groups are renewing calls for:
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Increased investment in youth outreach programs,
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Expansion of violence interruption teams, and
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Legislative action on gun control and community safety.
Remembering the Victims
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Leras Rainey was described by his cousin as “the glue of the family” and “always the one to show up when you needed him.”
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Ramone Day was a lifelong Minneapolis resident who had recently reconnected with his family after overcoming personal struggles.
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Mj White was known for her deep empathy and talent for poetry. Her last social media post read: “Be the light you wish to see in the world — even when it hurts.”
Their names now join a growing list of lives lost to urban gun violence — each one with dreams, memories, and meaning stolen far too soon.
What’s Next
Investigators continue to piece together the moments leading up to the shooting, interviewing witnesses and reviewing digital evidence. Police presence has been increased in the area, and local leaders are planning a vigil and march later this week to honor the victims and call for an end to the violence.
Until then, South Minneapolis mourns. Not just for Leras, Ramone, and Mj — but for every life lost, every family shattered, and every voice silenced by the sound of gunfire in the night.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional impact of this tragedy, resources are available through Hennepin County Crisis Services (612-596-1223) or NAMI Minnesota.