IGH Man Found Guilty, Sentenced In 2020 Shooting

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN — An Inver Grove Heights man was recently found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to mandatory life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in 2020, according to a news release from Dakota County Attorney Kathryn Keena.

Marcelino Santiago Lopez, 20, was found guilty of the murder of Brandon Jose Nieves, 20 of South Saint Paul, in April 2020, officials said. Lopez was also found guilty of second-degree attempted murder in connection with the nonfatal shooting of a teen at the same time and location, officials said.

The judge found Lopez not guilty of first-degree attempted murder and dismissed the remaining charges of second-degree murder and first-degree assault, officials said. Lopez was indicted by a grand jury in Dakota County in 2020 and opted for a court trial instead of a jury trial, officials said.

“Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Brandon Nieves for their great loss," Keena said. "We are thankful for the ongoing recovery of the 16-year-old victim.”

According to a report by KSTP, multiple witnesses told police that they saw Lopez fire the shotgun at the two victims before fleeing in a silver SUV. He later called police and turned himself in, the report said.

Lopez allegedly admitted to meeting up to fight Nieves because Nieves began dating Lopez's ex-girlfriend, the report said.

You can read more at KSTP.