Mychel Stowers, a recently paroled Minnesota man, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the shooting death of 35-year-old Damara Alexis Kirkland, who was about two months pregnant. Kirkland was found dead in her apartment after reports of gunfire. Stowers had been paroled from prison in March for a second-degree murder charge in the shooting death of a St. Paul man in 2008. On the day of the shooting, he had been granted a pass to visit a woman described as his ex-wife, although he had filed for divorce in June. The owner of the apartment reported that Kirkland’s estranged husband was living with her, which was not allowed.
Minutes after Kirkland’s shooting, there was a report of a nearby carjacking in which a 36-year-old man was wounded. The victim stated that he had left his car running with the keys in the ignition while he threw trash away, and a man matching Stowers’ description approached and shot him, stealing the vehicle. The gun used in the carjacking was the same one used in Kirkland’s shooting. Later that day, Stowers called an employee with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and stated that he had shot someone and wanted to turn himself in. However, as of now, he has not done so.
The search for Stowers is ongoing, with the stolen vehicle recovered in a parking lot. It is unclear why Stowers committed these acts of violence, especially considering his recent parole from prison. The incident has left the community shocked and concerned about safety, as Stowers remains at large. Stowers’ past criminal history and violent behavior have contributed to the urgency of finding and apprehending him. Authorities are working diligently to locate Stowers and bring him to justice for the murders of Damara Alexis Kirkland and the carjacking victim.
The tragic events surrounding the shootings have sparked conversation about the criminal justice system and the process of parole. Many are questioning how Stowers was able to be paroled and released from prison despite his past criminal record, which includes a second-degree murder conviction. This case has led to calls for reform and increased scrutiny of the parole system to prevent dangerous individuals from being released back into society.
As the search for Stowers continues, the community is left mourning the loss of Damara Alexis Kirkland and hoping for the recovery of the carjacking victim. The brazen nature of the crimes has left many feeling vulnerable and afraid, as they wonder if Stowers will strike again. The need for increased security measures and vigilance in the community is evident, as Stowers remains a threat until he is apprehended. The impact of these tragic events will be felt for a long time to come, as the community struggles to come to terms with the senseless violence that has occurred.
