ST. CLOUD, MN – A deadly shooting early Sunday morning in northeast St. Cloud has left the community in shock as authorities work tirelessly to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. The St. Cloud Police Department confirmed that one teenager was killed while another remains in critical condition following the violent attack.

The Incident

According to officials, the shooting occurred at approximately 2:55 a.m. on February 4 at a residential complex located in the 200 block of 2nd Street Northeast. St. Cloud police officers, responding to multiple 911 calls about gunfire in the area, arrived at the scene within minutes and discovered two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds inside the building.

One victim, a 19-year-old male from St. Joseph, was found lying in the hallway of a first-floor apartment, bleeding profusely from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel provided immediate life-saving treatment before transporting him to St. Cloud Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

The second victim, identified as 17-year-old Layson Davis of St. Cloud, was found unresponsive in the stairwell between the first and second floors of the building. Despite the efforts of first responders, Davis was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ongoing Investigation and Law Enforcement Response

The St. Cloud Police Department, in collaboration with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), has launched an extensive investigation into the shooting. Law enforcement officials believe the victims and the suspect(s) were acquainted prior to the attack, indicating that this was not a random act of violence.

“We are following up on several leads and working to establish a clear timeline of events,” said St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson. “We are urging the public to come forward with any information that might help us bring those responsible to justice.”

At this time, police have not released any details regarding potential suspects, and no arrests have been made. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, conducting interviews with residents, and gathering forensic evidence from the scene.

Community Reaction and Concerns

Residents of the 200 block of 2nd Street Northeast have expressed concerns about safety following the violent incident. Many community members described the neighborhood as relatively quiet, making the shooting even more alarming.

“I woke up to sirens and flashing lights, and it was terrifying,” said Angela Martinez, a resident who lives near the scene. “Hearing that a young person lost his life is just heartbreaking.”

St. Cloud City Council member Mike Conway addressed the incident in a statement, urging the community to remain vigilant and work with law enforcement to prevent further violence. “This tragic event is a stark reminder of the need for conflict resolution and stronger community ties,” Conway said. “We must work together to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Victim Profiles: Remembering Layson Davis

Family members and friends are mourning the tragic loss of 17-year-old Layson Davis, a young man described as kind-hearted, ambitious, and full of potential.

“Layson was more than just a statistic. He was a brother, a son, a friend to so many,” said his cousin Michelle Harmon. “He had dreams of going to college and making a difference. His life was stolen from him way too soon.”

Social media has been flooded with condolences, with friends sharing memories and expressing their grief. A GoFundMe page has been set up by the Davis family to assist with funeral expenses and support his loved ones during this difficult time.

Authorities Urge Witnesses to Come Forward

Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Investigators believe there may have been witnesses who saw or heard crucial details that could help in solving the case.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the St. Cloud Police Department at (320) 251-1200 or provide anonymous tips through Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-255-1301 or online at www.tricountycrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.

Calls for Increased Security and Gun Violence Awareness

In the wake of the shooting, community leaders are calling for increased security measures and greater awareness regarding gun violence.

Pastor James Caldwell, a local faith leader, emphasized the need for early intervention programs for youth. “We need to address the root causes of violence—lack of resources, conflict resolution skills, and access to guns,” he said. “We need more mentoring programs and safe spaces for our young people.”

City officials are also considering expanding neighborhood watch programs and boosting police patrols in the area to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Funeral Arrangements and Support for the Families

The Davis family has announced that a public memorial service will be held later this week, where community members can come together to celebrate Layson’s life and offer support.

Meanwhile, the family of the 19-year-old hospitalized victim has requested privacy during this difficult time as they remain by his bedside, hoping for his recovery.

Final Thoughts

As St. Cloud mourns this heartbreaking loss, the community remains united in demanding justice for Layson Davis and safety for its residents. Authorities continue their efforts to identify the suspect(s) responsible and ensure that those involved are held accountable.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.