ST. PAUL, Minn. — On December 13, 2023, a fatal shooting occurred in the 400 block of West University Avenue, leading to the death of 30-year-old Alfonzo Avery Armstead. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old E’Shaun Maurice Funches, fired multiple shots at Armstead, who tragically lost his life outside Sunrise Grocery and Tobacco. Funches, who has a prior conviction for aggravated robbery, was arrested and faces two counts of second-degree intentional murder.

According to the criminal complaint, Funches requested a ride from a friend before carrying out the shooting. Witnesses, as well as video surveillance footage, reportedly corroborated the sequence of events as described in the complaint. Funches, who initially denied involvement in the crime, was apprehended shortly after attempting to dispose of incriminating evidence. Police also recovered a handgun and matched its ammunition to the casings found at the crime scene.

Armstead’s death marks the 33rd homicide in St. Paul for the year and the second in the same week. The incident has left the community in shock and emphasizes the ongoing challenge of gun violence in the city. Funches remains in custody with bail set at $1 million as the investigation continues.

The tragic loss of Armstead serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of gun-related crimes in our community. Authorities are determined to bring justice to the victims and their loved ones, while also addressing the root causes of such violence. As the case unfolds, the St. Paul Police Department is urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.