Brenden Jamel Reynolds, 24, Cottage Grove, was charged in Dakota County District Court on March 24 with felony murder in the second degree with intent not premeditated.

On June 9, 2021, police were dispatched to Thompson County Park in West Saint Paul for a report of an individual shot. Upon arrival, Jayvon Andrew Malone was lying on the ground in the grass area in a supine position with two bullet hole wounds in his body. Officers and medics rendered aid to Malone who had labored breathing and stated that he was going to die. Malone was transported to the hospital where he later died.

The gathering at Thompson County Park where the shooting occurred was first described as a graduation party by witnesses, but later confirmed to be a party for an individual who was incarcerated in jail. The party was to raise funds for this individual’s legal fees.

Through surveillance video from Thompson Park and eyewitnesses, it was determined that two men, one Reynolds, arrived at the party and immediately pursued Malone who had arrived an hour earlier. Gunshots were heard, and witnesses saw Malone running away from Reynolds. One witness heard Reynolds say to Malone, “You got my brother killed.”

According to the complaint, it was determined that Malone was involved in a criminal offense with others that took place in September 2018. During the incident “G-Will” died. Malone was prosecuted and went to prison, however it appeared that “G-Will’s” family believed Malone was responsible for his death. Reynolds was booked into the Dakota County Jail.