Wence Edwards Death; – A man from Minneapolis entered a guilty plea on Tuesday for the fatal shooting of another man at a gas station in February, with the victim left unattended for several hours before emergency services were notified.
Marvin Jewell Dancy, aged 46, pleaded guilty to second-degree unintentional murder and one count of illegal possession of a firearm following the death of 21-year-old Wence Edwards behind the Handy Stop gas station on West Broadway Avenue on February 6.
Law enforcement arrived at the alley behind the store shortly after midnight in response to reports of a deceased individual. Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics to administer lifesaving measures, Edwards was declared dead at the scene.
Surveillance footage revealed that the shooting occurred approximately two hours prior to the police’s arrival, near the gas pumps of the convenience store. Dancy was seen arriving in a gold Cadillac Escalade around 10:40 p.m. He entered the store and subsequently returned to his vehicle to refuel.
Edwards approached the store on foot and engaged in conversation with Dancy from a short distance in front of the Escalade. As Edwards attempted to move closer, Dancy drew his firearm and began firing at him multiple times. Edwards retreated and attempted to flee. It was noted that Edwards was also armed and managed to discharge a single round as he ran away.
A witness to the incident fled the convenience store in his vehicle as the shooting commenced. According to the complaint, no one attempted to call 911 or assist Edwards until his body was discovered in the alley, prompting a call to the police. Dancy was apprehended on February 23, and authorities recovered a .45 caliber revolver that was not involved in the February 6 incident, along with approximately 2 grams of cocaine.
“Our thoughts are with Mr. Edwards’ family as we conclude the prosecution of Mr. Dancy,” stated Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. “While nothing can restore Mr. Edwards to his loved ones, this resolution ensures accountability for Mr. Dancy’s actions and enhances the safety of our community.” Dancy is set to be sentenced on December 19 at 2:30 p.m.
