4th man charged with murder in shooting of Minnetonka HS student
Samantha Burnette
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - A fourth person has been charged with murder and aggravated robbery in the shooting death of a Minnetonka High School student Samantha Burnette in a St. Paul, Minn. alley over the weekend.
The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office charged Vincent Harris, 29, of St. Paul, Minn. with two counts of second degree murder and one count of first degree aggravated robbery. Davonte Bobo, Christopher Calloway and Kalisa Smith have also been charged.
According to the charges, Smith was riding in a car with Burnette and Burnette’s sister, identified as Brittany Rock, and another woman. “At some point, Smith said she had to meet someone and they drove to an alley near 737 Sims Avenue. Smith got out of the car, left it running, and said she would be right back.”
At that point, two men appeared. One jumped into the front seat, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at Rock, saying “Give me everything you have.” The second man appeared at the passenger side window and pointed a handgun inside the car. Burnette had been sleeping inside the car when the men arrived, but woke up due to all the commotion.
Rock jumped out of the car, heard a gunshot and hid behind a garage. She had been pistol-whipped and was bleeding from the head. When Smith drove off, Rock heard the men, yelling, “Go! Go! Go!”
Rock ran back to her sister, who was bleeding from the mouth. Samantha Burnette was pronounced dead by paramedics when they arrived at the alley.
In an interview with police, Smith said she’s not dating Calloway right now, but they were “just hanging out.” Smith eventually admitted that Calloway was asking her if the other women in the car had money, and she told him yes. Calloway talked about robbing the girls and Smith said she didn’t agree with it, but it was “what he was going to do.”
Smith admitted that she knew Calloway was going to rob the girls. She admitted she got out of the car because she knew a robbery was going to happen. Smith said she saw Calloway poking Rock with the gun and she saw Burnette hit Calloway with a bottle. Calloway then shot her.
In an interview with police, Bobo said he was with Calloway. When Smith called or texted Calloway, telling him she was with girls who had made money that evening and she asked them to rob the girls. Calloway then asked Bobo and Harris to come with him to help rob them.
Bobo told police around 7 a.m. they went outside, only he and Calloway had guns. Bobo told police he had his finger on the the semiautomatic's safety on top of the gun, when Calloway started shooting. Bobo said that then his gun just went off. He believes Calloway shot twice and that he shot once.
Harris will make his first appearance in Ramsey County District Court on Tuesday afternoon.
Message from Minnetonka Principal Jeff Erickson
Dear Minnetonka School Community,
I am shocked and saddened to report a second Minnetonka student death in less than one week. Words cannot express our sorrow after learning that the young teen who was shot and killed in St. Paul Sunday morning was one of our students. Samantha Burnette was a junior -- only 16 years old.
Just this morning, I shared the following with students:
Samantha Burnette was a junior -- only 16 years old. There are still so many unanswered questions. The police are still investigating and so far, there has been no arrest. There is nothing about this tragedy that makes any sense.
Hearing about Samantha’s death breaks my heart. We don’t usually think about death as something that happens to teens -- so to have two classmates die in the last week, leaves us confused. It really shakes our understanding of how things are supposed to be.
Whether or not you personally knew Samantha, we know it is not fair that such a young, energetic person was killed so senselessly.
We all deal with grief differently. Hearing about her death may make you angry or sad or just numb. As I told you last week, I want you to know that every adult in our school is here for you and is someone with whom you can talk.
During tough times, it is important for us to be intentional about taking care of our emotional health. I’d like everyone to take a few moments to consider two questions:
1. Think about or write down the names of people you feel comfortable talking to -- people in school and people outside of school. Who are the adults that provide you support and a listening ear?
2. Next, I’d ask you to think about or write down things you do when you feel sad or upset -- you might go for a run, talk to a friend, or listen to music.
If you feel that you are struggling or have a friend who is struggling, please talk with a teacher or your counselor to help support you. Be intentional about talking to people and doing things to take care of your emotions. There is a lot to process.
Tonka, we are a strong community and we need to use this strength to look after and care for each other. Along with each staff member, I am saddened by this loss. We care for you, and we are here to support you.
My thoughts and prayers are with Samantha, her family and friends.
Please join me in a moment of silence in memory of Samantha Lea Burnette.
As I have more information, I will share it with you.
Thank you.
Last week, I shared a handout with you on helping your teen through grief. I can't stress how important it is that you be present for your teen. Just let them know you love them and you are there if they want to talk.
The website Griefspeaks.com has some very important points for parents and teachers. “The death of a friend may significantly affect young people in ways that parents, teachers and other adults may not understand. The death of a friend whom the parent never or seldom met may have very little effect on the parent, but it may have a huge impact on the teen. When adults dismiss the impact of their teenager's grief it only makes it more complicated and often leaves the teen alone in his or her grief. … Some teens following the death of a friend, come together and share their grief while other teens grieve alone or have difficulty sharing their emotions around their loss."
Many people have asked me about arrangements for Scott Berzins. I’ve been in touch with his family and plans are being finalized. I will share more later.
This has been a very hard week and, now more than ever, your child needs your love, support, and quiet understanding.
Please let me know how we can help.
Sincerely,
Jeff Erickson
How you can help
A fund has been created for the Berzins and Burnette families to help cover expenses following the deaths of their children this week. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank (please use the Berzins or Burnette family name), via online banking for Wells Fargo Bank customers (account #1422246015), or may be dropped off or mailed to Minnetonka High School, 18301 Highway 7, Minnetonka, MN 55345.