5th Grade Son Witnessed His Father's Murder In St. Paul: Police

ST. PAUL, MN — A 17-year-old has been charged in the death of Michael Brasel, a husband, father, and youth hockey coach who was shot several times outside his St. Paul home on the morning of May 6.

Kle Swee faces two counts of second-degree murder. The Ramsey County Attorney's Office asked the court to certify him as an adult.

Brasel was 44. His fifth-grade son was among the callers who reported his father's fatal shooting, according to police.

"Michael will always be remembered for his unwavering love for his children, his unbreakable bond with his wife Hilary, and his infectious spirit that touched the lives of everyone he met," a GoFundMe page established for the family reads.

"He was a devoted coach who inspired and encouraged countless young athletes to achieve their full potential. Rest in peace, Michael. Your kindness, passion, and selflessness will continue to inspire and impact the lives of those you touched. Your absence leaves a tremendous void in our community and hearts."

On May 6 at about 7:20 a.m., St. Paul police were dispatched to the 2300 block of Chilcombe Avenue in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood on reports that a man had been shot several times in the front of his home.

Witnesses reported that the shooter sped away westbound in a black vehicle with tinted windows and a loud exhaust, according to the criminal complaint.

Brasel was found lying on his back in the front yard. His wife and neighbor were performing CPR and yelling for help. He was taken to the Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Brasel's son told police that he was inside the house when he heard his father — who was outside — yell "What are you doing?" before the sound of six gunshots. The boy looked out of his bedroom window and saw a man flee, the criminal complaint states.

Brasel's wife said her husband gets up early and was likely eating breakfast near the front window when he likely saw someone going through the car, according to police.

The door of the family’s Ford Flex was ajar and appeared to have been rummaged through, the criminal complaint states.

After collecting witness statements, surveillance footage, and phone data, police executed a search warrant at a home on the 1600 block of Reaney Avenue. During the raid, Swee fled through a window but was captured and arrested, according to the criminal complaint.

A Honda vehicle key was located in his pocket, and the black Honda suspect vehicle was found in the home's garage, police said.