Xavier Le’Drew Hudson, 20, Oakdale, convicted of aiding and abetting second-degree murder in a shootout that killed a 14-year-old boy, was sentenced on Feb. 2 to over 37 years in prison.
Following a nine-day trial in September, a Washington County jury found Hudson guilty of all 10 charged offenses, including aiding and abetting murder in the second degree, in the shootout that killed 14-year-old Demaris Hobbs Ekdahl on June 5, 2021.
On Friday, Judge Gregory G. Galler handed down a sentence of 447 months in prison, with 375 months for aiding and abetting second-degree murder, 36 months for second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and 36 months on an additional count of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Each sentence was ordered to be served consecutively with credit for 692 days served.
According to the criminal complaint, Hudson was part of a group that allegedly confronted Demaris, his brother Davion, and others with guns at a graduation party in the 6100 block of Edgewood Road around 10:30 p.m. June 5. Following the confrontation, Demaris, Davion, and their friends left the party and called their stepfather Keith Dawson. Dawson met his stepsons and their friends in Maplewood and encouraged them to return to the party with him to confront the group.
Dawson drove his SUV, while the others followed closely behind in a car. When they arrived, Dawson fired several shots before driving away. The car, occupied by Demaris and others, continued to follow behind as 40 gunshots were fired in their direction by Hudson’s group. One of those bullets passed through the back of the car and struck Demaris. He was later pronounced dead at Regions Hospital from blood loss due to the gunshot wound.
Dawson pled guilty to drive-by shooting in January 2023 and is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence. Two people, including Hudson, faced charges in the return fire that hit and killed Demaris. Enrique Davila remains in custody at the Washington County Jail ahead of his jury trial, slated for April. Jaden Townsend pled guilty in June 2022 to aiding and abetting second-degree assault and received a three-year prison sentence.
“This sentencing reflects the dedication of our prosecution team and law enforcement partners, sending a clear message that senseless violence is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson. “We are grateful that this long case has culminated in justice for Demaris, his family, and our community.”
Hudson remains in custody at the Washington County Jail awaiting transfer to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Assistant Washington County Attorneys Scott Haldeman and Justin Collins prosecuted the case.
In June 2021, Xavier Le’Drew Hudson, 17, Oakdale, was charged with felony aiding and abetting murder – 2nd degree – with intent – not premeditated, felony aiding and abetting, dangerous weapon – firearm – prior violent crime murder – 2nd degree – without intent – while committing a felony, felony aiding and abetting, dangerous weapon – firearm – prior violent crime assault – 2nd degree – dangerous weapon, three counts of felony aiding and abetting, dangerous weapon – firearm – prior violent crime assault – 2nd degree – dangerous weapon, and dangerous weapon – firearm – prior violent crime possess ammo/any firearm – conviction or adjudicated delinquent for crime of violence.