Minneapolis Shooting Separates Twin Sisters Forever
Minneapolis — May 2, 2025 — A recent Minneapolis shooting claimed the life of one twin sister and has left the other fighting for her life. The incident, which occurred near East 25th Street and Bloomington Avenue, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to two more, deeply affecting the Minneapolis community. The shooting, believed to be targeted, is under investigation, and the tragic event underscores the urgent need for community healing and support. Further developments will be reported as they emerge.
Minneapolis Shooting Separates Twin Sisters Forever
Minneapolis, MN – A mass shooting in Minneapolis has left one twin sister dead and the other fighting for her life, leaving a family and community in mourning. The incident occurred Tuesday night near East 25th Street and Bloomington Avenue, where three people were killed and two others were injured [[3]].
The Victims: A Bond Broken
- The victims include two young women, Maleice and Merelle White, who are identical twins.
- Merelle White, 20, was killed in the shooting.
- Maleice White is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Shianna Smallwood, the older cousin of Maleice and Merelle, expressed her devastation, saying, Those two girls, they’re so innocent.They were so sweet so pure.
She added that they were at the wrong place at the wrong time.
She just bought her car a couple of weeks ago. She just signed a lease for an apartment.she had big things going for her.
Shianna Smallwood, cousin of Merelle White
The Shooting: A Targeted Attack
Police beleive the shooting was targeted and potentially gang-related. Responding officers found a man on the sidewalk with life-threatening gunshot wounds and discovered two men and two women inside a vehicle, all suffering from gunshot wounds.
- The man on the sidewalk,Merelle white and another man in the vehicle died at the scene.
- Maleice White and another man were taken to the hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.
According to Smallwood, The bullet had went into her cheek, there’s no exit wound so it’s still in the roof of her mouth. They had to reconstruct everything in her mouth.
Legal Aftermath
James Ortley, 34, was arrested Thursday in connection with the shooting at East 25th and Bloomington Avenue.
Community Impact
The shooting has deeply affected the community, raising questions and concerns about violence. Smallwood questioned the motives behind the violence, stating, Everyone’s hurt, why? And knowing that this is a native-on-native type of deal, why would you do that.
Maleice now faces life without her twin sister. Smallwood reflected on this, saying, I can’t imagine how she’s going to wake up and feel that Merelle’s not here no more.
While Maleice’s surgery was successful,she will need the support of family and friends as she navigates this difficult time. Merelle was described as kind of like the mom to Maleice.
FAQ: Understanding the tragedy
- Where did the shooting occur?
- The shooting occurred near East 25th Street and Bloomington Avenue in Minneapolis.
- How manny people were killed?
- Three people were killed in the shooting.
- Was the shooting targeted?
- Police believe the shooting was targeted and potentially gang-related.
- Who has been arrested?
- James Ortley, 34, was arrested in connection with the shooting.
how to Help
Consider donating to local organizations that support victims of violence or volunteering your time to help those affected. Contact your local community center for more facts.