Background: The Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minn. (Google Maps). Inset: William Howard Sanders IV (Hennepin County Jail).
A Minnesota man who shot and killed a 24-year-old deemed “suspicious” for wearing a hoodie on a “nice day” will serve several decades in prison.
William Howard Sanders IV, 39, admitted guilt to second-degree intentional murder on Thursday, a year after he shot 24-year-old De’Jaun Marquise Michael Hall in Minneapolis. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced that Sanders was sentenced the same day to 400 months — slightly more than 33 years — in prison for the offense. Time already served will be credited to him.
As Law&Crime previously reported, the confrontation between Sanders and Hall occurred on the evening of Sept. 3, 2024. The two men were outside 1st Avenue South and East 19th Street in Minneapolis when a dispute ensued.
Surveillance footage showed Sanders pulling out a gun from his fanny pack as Hall ran for safety. Sanders chased Hall and shot him in the back. As Hall was on the ground, attempting to surrender with raised hands, Sanders fired twice more, killing him.
Police later apprehended Sanders at a hotel, reading him his rights. Sanders confessed to shooting Hall, stating he was under the influence of PCP at the time. He explained to police that he found Hall “suspicious” due to wearing a “hooded sweatshirt on a nice day,” according to the arrest affidavit.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated in a Thursday release, “This was a terrible act of violence. Mr. Sanders needlessly escalated an argument by drawing and using a firearm to kill De’Jaun Hall.” She continued, “My thoughts are with De’Jaun’s family as this case concludes. We can’t bring back their loved one, but Mr. Sanders will be held accountable, ensuring our community’s safety from future harm by his actions.”
Dave Harris contributed to this story.
