MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota judge has denied a motion to change the venue for the retrial of Cody Logan Fohrenkam, the man implicated in the 2022 killing of 15-year-old Deshaun Hill, a north Minneapolis high school student and athlete. Fohrenkam, 32, who was initially convicted of second-degree murder, follows a decision by an appeals court to reverse his conviction and sentence of 38-and-a-half years, paving the way for a new trial.
Defense lawyers had sought to move the retrial out of Hennepin County, citing extensive media coverage and comments from the local prosecutor’s office that they claimed might have prejudiced the jury pool. Their request stems from concerns that these factors could compromise Fohrenkam’s ability to have a fair trial in the original jurisdiction.
The case has garnered significant attention, partly because of the violent nature of the crime and its impact on the local community. Deshaun Hill was reportedly walking near his school, despite a foot injury, when surveillance footage showed him encountering Fohrenkam. After what appeared to be a minor physical contact, Fohrenkam allegedly turned and fired three shots at Hill, fatally wounding the teenager.
Fohrenkam’s original conviction was overturned last year when the Minnesota Court of Appeals cited multiple issues with the trial proceedings, including prejudicial misconduct by the prosecutors. The court particularly noted that Fohrenkam was detained unlawfully prior to making incriminating statements during a police interrogation. These statements, according to appellate judges, were inadmissible as they were the product of an unlawful seizure.
Despite the overturning of his conviction, tensions remain high, as evidenced during Fohrenkam’s first court appearance since the case was reopened. Members of Hill’s family were present and vocal in their distress, leading to their removal from the courtroom by deputies.
This case has raised discussions about procedural justice and the adequacy of legal protections, especially concerning how evidence is gathered and used in court. Legal experts suggest that the retrial may set precedents regarding the rights of the accused and the proper conduct of prosecutors.
An omnibus hearing is scheduled for June 9, which will likely address pre-trial motions and possibly set a date for the upcoming retrial. Meanwhile, the legal community and the public continue to watch closely, aware that the outcome could influence future homicide cases in the state.
The killing of Hill, a promising student known for his athletic talent, has left the community mourning and looking for answers. The legal proceedings continue to unfold, bringing painful reminders but also a quest for justice and accountability in the legal system.