Minnesota Mother of Five Fatally Shot By Children’s Father; Police Say Suspect Fled to Mexico After Taking Children to Michigan
MINNESOTA – Authorities are urgently searching for a 33-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a 29-year-old St. Paul mother of five inside her apartment last week. Police say the suspect, who is the father of the victim’s children, has since fled the country.
Victim Identified as Shaniya Thompson
Police identified the victim as Shaniya Thompson, a devoted mother of five. According to investigators, Thompson was shot in the head during a domestic dispute inside her apartment on the 500 block of Broadway Street. Officers found her deceased when responding to the scene on Thursday evening.
Suspect Identified; Witness Accounts Detail Violent Argument
The suspect, Wesley Bendict Koboi, 33, is wanted on second-degree murder charges in connection with Thompson’s death. Court documents state that Koboi and Thompson were involved in an ongoing argument when the shooting occurred. One of their children reportedly witnessed part of the incident, telling investigators that Koboi had a firearm during the argument.
Suspect’s Movements After the Shooting
Authorities say that after Thompson was killed, Koboi gathered the five children, drove them to his mother’s home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and told family members he was surprising them with a Christmas visit. The criminal complaint states that Koboi left the children there, then switched vehicles and continued traveling.
According to investigators, federal law enforcement later notified St. Paul police that Koboi crossed into Canada on foot and had booked a flight to Mexico, where he is believed to have traveled shortly after.
Suspect Remains at Large
Police say Koboi is still at large, and the investigation remains active. Authorities continue coordinating with federal partners in an effort to locate and arrest him.
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