Minneapolis Man Who Says Murder Victim Fatally 'Impaled Himself'

A Minneapolis man’s shocking self-defense claim falls apart as surveillance reveals a deadly confrontation far different than he described. 🌐 #News #MinneapolisMN #Minnesota #Crime

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A Minnesota man is now facing a second-degree murder charge after claiming that the victim “essentially impaled himself” during a violent confrontation last month. Surveillance footage from the scene, however, contradicts his story, painting a much different picture of what occurred near Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis.

Fatal Stabbing Near Nicollet Mall

The tragic incident took place on December 23, around 11:50 p.m., near 5th Street South and Nicollet Mall. Joseph Eugene Davis, 58, is accused of fatally stabbing a man, who was later found unresponsive and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital a few days after the attack. The fatal wound was determined to be to the victim’s right carotid artery.

Davis allegedly told police that the victim had aggressively approached a woman at the bus shelter, and he intervened by pulling out his knife, intending to scare the man away. Davis said he never intended to harm the victim and claimed that he only acted in self-defense when the victim struck him with a metal object.

Surveillance Footage Tells a Different Story

Surveillance footage, however, paints a contrasting account of what unfolded that night. According to the criminal complaint, the footage shows Davis approaching the victim inside the bus shelter, swinging his knife toward the victim’s face. The victim, in response, retreats outside the shelter and attempts to defend himself as Davis pursues him.

The video shows the victim in a defensive posture, then using an object to strike Davis. The victim then attempts to retrieve some items from next to the bus shelter. Davis is seen lunging forward, cutting off the victim’s path, before the victim continues to retreat. In the final moments captured on camera, Davis is seen running off toward his bike, and the victim collapses shortly afterward.

Murder Charge and Legal Proceedings

The footage contradicts Davis’ statement to investigators that the victim “impaled himself” while the two were engaged in a struggle. Davis’ actions are now under intense scrutiny, and the 58-year-old is facing a second-degree murder charge for the death of the man.

This case continues to unfold as Davis prepares for legal proceedings in the coming weeks.

RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Minnesota