A career criminal in Minnesota is facing federal charges after a devastating carjacking rampage in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two women and the serious injury of a 6-year-old child. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, with prosecutors emphasizing the need to hold the suspect fully accountable for his violent actions. The suspect, Edward Tiki Arrington, also known as Troy Mike Payton, has a long and extensive criminal history, including state convictions for assault and gun offenses, as well as a 2009 federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. This history has intensified concerns over the potential for repeat offenses and the societal impact of violent crime.
The alleged crime unfolded on Thursday morning when Arrington, after successfully carjacking a Black Volkswagen Passat at gunpoint, began a high-speed pursuit through North Minneapolis. The incident escalated as he evaded police officers, driving toward downtown Minneapolis. At the intersection of Penn Avenue and Olson Memorial Boulevard, he ran a red light without stopping, leading to a collision with a blue Ford Focus sedan. This collision resulted in the deaths of Marisa Ardys Casebolt and Liberty Borg, both 25-year-old women from Minneapolis, and serious injuries to a 6-year-old child. Prosecutors have described the event as a senseless crime, with two young women losing their lives due to the actions of a repeat offender.
Arrington’s actions have also drawn attention to the broader issue of public safety and the role of law enforcement in addressing violent crimes involving repeat offenders. The Minneapolis Police Chief, Brian O’Hara, condemned the rampage, stating that the suspect’s criminal history and disregard for human life had led to the tragic outcomes. “This violent suspect had an extensive criminal history and showed a complete disregard for the value of human life,” O’Hara said. “His reckless and violent actions claimed the lives of innocent people and put countless others at risk.” The chief’s comments reflect a broader concern over the potential for such crimes to escalate and the need for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The case has also highlighted the personal tragedies faced by the victims’ families. A GoFundMe page for Casebolt, who was a loving mother, notes that she leaves behind two young children who now have to navigate the world without her. The post describes her as a dedicated parent, emphasizing the profound impact of this tragedy on her family. Similarly, the mother of the 6-year-old, Liberty Borg, has recently posted happy photos on Facebook of her son’s first day of first grade, underscoring the sudden and devastating loss she has faced.
The legal repercussions for Arrington are severe. He is facing federal charges of carjacking and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, which carry a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment. Additionally, he is charged in Hennepin County District Court with three counts of fleeing a police officer, all felonies. The potential for the death penalty in cases involving carjacking resulting in death underscores the gravity of the situation. Prosecutors have emphasized that the suspect’s actions have not only caused personal tragedy but also posed a significant threat to public safety. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent crime and the critical role of the justice system in addressing such incidents.
In the wake of the incident, public outrage has led to calls for stricter measures to prevent similar tragedies and to hold repeat offenders accountable. The case has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of current criminal justice systems in addressing violent offenses and the need for stronger community support and intervention programs. As the legal process unfolds, the families of the victims and the broader community await justice and a resolution that reflects the severity of the crime and the need for lasting change.