County Leads Exclusive Investigation into Renee Good’s Death
The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, has drawn significant attention following her fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The incident occurred on January 7, when ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot her while she was in her SUV in a residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis. Good, who was born in Colorado and a U.S. citizen, had no prior criminal charges against her beyond minor traffic violations.
Investigation Overview
The current investigative landscape presents challenges for Hennepin County authorities. According to U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, there will be no federal probe into the shooting, leaving only the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) to handle the case. Emmanuel Mauleón, an associate law professor at the University of Minnesota, expressed concerns about the lack of access to key evidence that federal authorities have yet to turn over.
Evidence Concerns
- Key items taken by federal officials include:
- Renee Good’s vehicle
- Jonathan Ross’s firearm
- Shell casings from the scene
Mary Moriarty, the Hennepin County Attorney, emphasized the need for these critical pieces of evidence for effective prosecution. She mentioned the establishment of a link for community members to submit any potential evidence, acknowledging public interest and the likely existence of videos taken by witnesses.
Antonio Romanucci, representing Good’s family, pointed out that Ross’s cell phone, which was being used as a body-worn camera during the shooting, is another crucial piece of evidence currently unavailable to the HCAO. He noted the importance of preserving all evidence related to the case, as this could significantly affect potential prosecution.
Challenges Ahead for Hennepin County Officials
The HCAO is currently collaborating with Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, though the bureau has not formally initiated its own investigation due to incomplete access to evidence. Mauleón highlighted how the absence of critical evidence could undermine the prosecution’s case, making it difficult to establish charges without sufficient proof.
Romanucci expressed strong discontent with the decision made by federal authorities, underscoring the need for a comprehensive investigation to determine any civil rights violations related to Good’s death. He described the abrupt conclusion drawn by officials as inexplicable and indicative of a potential cover-up.
Future Steps
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains vigilant, urging for thoroughness and transparency. The HCAO’s efforts to gather evidence will be critical. Should significant evidence remain undisclosed, it could greatly hinder any potential criminal prosecution against the ICE agent involved.
Ongoing updates will be crucial in the coming weeks, with the aim of ensuring accountability and justice for Renee Good and her family, as the situation evolves.
