MN Man Whose Murder Sentence Was Commuted Is Jailed Over Drugs, Gun

MINNEAPOLIS — A convicted murderer whose sentence was commuted in 2020 was arrested Tuesday over the suspected possession of drugs and guns.

Myon Burrell, 37, was found guilty of killing an 11-year-old girl in Minneapolis in 2002. Tyesha Edwards was killed by a stray bullet that entered her Minneapolis home while she was doing homework.

Burrell has maintained his innocence, saying he was not involved in the girl's death.

Burrell was sentenced to life in prison and served 18 years before Gov. Tim Walz and others on the Minnesota Board of Pardons voted to immediately release him in 2020 after an Associated Press investigation found flaws in the case against him.

On Tuesday at about 11 a.m., Burell was pulled over after a Robbinsdale police officer spotted his SUV speeding and committing "poor driving conduct in the lane," the search warrant affidavit states.

"The officer observed smoke pore out the window when he made contact with the driver. The officer asked the suspect to step out to perform field testing to determine if he was impaired. The driver attempted to walk away and then fought with officers. The driver was the only occupant of the vehicle."

The affidavit states that a firearm was located in the center console and that Burell is legally barred from owning or possessing a gun. Forensic testing was ordered on the firearm.

Marijuana and "additional suspected drugs" were also found in the SUV, police told the Star Tribune. Up to 2 ounces of cannabis can be legally possessed in Minnesota under state law.

Burrell was booked just before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday and as of Wednesday remains in custody at Hennepin County Jail. No bail has been set for him.