Cottage Grove Man Arrested At MSP Airport , Charged With Murder

WEST ST. PAUL, MN — A 24-year-old Cottage Grove has been charged with second-degree murder (with intent, not premeditated) in the fatal shooting of Jayvon A. Malone at West St. Paul's Thompson Park.

Police arrested Brenden J. Reynolds after he was located in a car at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.

"With this arrest, we now hope that the family of Mr. Malone can start to find closure," West St. Paul police said in a statement.

"Our thoughts are with the family as they continue to deal with the loss of a loved one due to needless violence. The perseverance of our investigations team and their dedication to the safety of our community should send a clear message to anyone engaged in criminal activity. The West St. Paul Police Department does not tolerate violence in our city and we will continue to investigate violent acts until those responsible are brought to justice."

On June 9, 2021, just before 9 p.m., police were dispatched to Thompson County Park on a report of a shooting. Malone was found lying on the ground in the grass with gunshot wounds on his chest and back.

Malone had labored breathing and said he was going to die, according to the crimial complaint. Officers asked who shot him, but he did not answer, authorities said.

The medical examiner found that a single bullet traveled through Malone and partially exited his body, creating two separate wound areas.

He was given first aid before being transferred to the hospital, where he died from blood loss, according to investigators.

A witness told police the shooting happened at a cousin's graduation party, but later admitted it was a party to raise funds for a person in county jail, the criminal complaint states. The fundraiser would pay for the inmate's legal fees, authorities said.

Police interviewed witnesses and reviewed security camera footage as part of the investigation.

Reynolds arrived at the party and said to Malone, "You got my brother killed," according to police. He then punched Malone in the face, according to the criminal complaint.

Reynolds then pulled out a gun and started shooting at Malone and is hit, police said. Malone fired backed beore falling into the grass, according to investigators.

According to police, Malone was convicted of a crime in 2018 related to the death of a man known by others as "G-Will." The family of G-Will believed Malone was responsible for that man's death, the criminal complaint states.