Minnesota Teenager Yaseen Johnson Shot And Killed Over Balenciaga Sneakers
Yaseen Johnson, a 17-year-old in Plymouth, Minnesota, was shot and killed over his Balenciaga sneakers. A suspect has now been charged with the teen’s death.
According to KARE 11, Augustus Sirleaf, 19, was charged with one count of second-degree murder with intent and one count of second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony. He is facing 80 years in prison.
The outlet reports that on Nov. 14, Johnson and his friend were waiting in an SUV outside an apartment complex to buy the Baleniciaga sneakers. Police believe that Sirleaf gave Johnson one shoe to look at, and Johnson gave him half the money. Johnson agreed to buy the sneakers and gave the rest of the money to Sirleaf. However, Sirleaf demanded Johnson hand back the shoe. Johnson refused, Sirleaf pulled out a weapon and shot the 17-year-old inside the SUV. After shots were fired, Johnson’s friend exited the vehicle and ran.
Sirleaf is currently in custody at the Hennepin County Jail. Another suspect has been arrested and police are searching for a third but their names have not been released to the public.
Plymouth Police Chief Erik Fadden said in a statement, “Yaseen’s death is tragic, not something I or any of our staff will ever forget. This isn’t supposed to happen to anybody, let alone a kid.”
His sister—whose name was not made public—said her brother “was vegan and wouldn’t even kill an animal, he didn’t deserve to be gunned down like one.”
Johnson’s family set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for a foundation in his name that would focus on gun violence.
