Man Pleads Guilty In Killing Of 9-Year-Old Minneapolis Girl

MINNEAPOLIS — A 20-year-old man admitted in court Monday to his role in the killing of a 9-year-old Minneapolis girl, announced Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty.

Dpree Shareef Robinson pled guilty to second-degree murder in the May 2021 shooting death of Trinity Ottoson-Smith. Under the plea agreement, Robinson will receive a 450-month prison sentence, which adds up to 37 1/2 years.

Robinson's formal sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 21.

"Trinity was doing what kids should be doing in spring time in Minnesota, playing with friends and having fun outside," Moriarty said in a news release.

"Mr. Robinson’s actions shocked our community and devastated her family and all who loved her. I’m hopeful his admission of guilt begins to bring some degree of closure for Trinity’s family and the community.”

The shooting happened on the evening of May 15, 2021.

Minneapolis police responded to a house after a shot spotter was activated on the 2200 block of Ilion Avenue North.

Trinity was jumping on a trampoline in a residential backyard with friends when she was struck and killed by gunfire, the investigation found. She and her two friends were playing directly between the shooter and the intended targets, according to the criminal complaint.

Robinson bragged about being an active shooter for the "Black Disciples" street gang on social media, authorities said. The targets were members of a rival gang, authorities said.