Jury Convicts Burnsville Man In Deadly 2021 Eagan Shooting

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — A 32-year-old Burnsville man was convicted by a jury in a fatal Eagan shooting, Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena announced Thursday morning.

Following a trial and 11 hours of deliberation, a jury found Sakaria Osman Ahmed guilty of one count of second-degree murder (with intent, not premeditated) in the killing of 33-year-old Faisal Abukar, of Eagan, on Dec. 18, 2021.

A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. Abukar faces up to 40 years in prison.

"I wish to thank the jury for its verdict to hold Mr. Ahmed accountable for this senseless death. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Faisal Abukar for their great loss," Keena said in a statement.

On Dec. 18, 2021, at about 7 p.m., Eagan police were dispatched to the Marathon gas station on a report of a man shot and possibly dead. There was also a crash about 100 yards from the gas station, dispatch told officers.

A man — later identified as Ahmed — was spotted leaving the intersection of the crash and running towards a nearby outlet mall, authorities said. Ahmed was arrested within minutes, according to the criminal complaint.

When apprehended, Ahmed had a loaded 9mm handgun, police said.