A tragic chain of grief and anger unfolded in St. Paul, Minnesota, where a 61-year-old man is accused of shooting a teenage boy he believed was connected to the death of his own son.
According to police, the incident happened Tuesday afternoon when officers responded to a shooting on Hoyt Avenue East. They found a 17-year-old boy inside a car with a gunshot wound to his chest. Despite severe injuries affecting his lungs, liver, and ribs, the teen is expected to survive after extended medical care.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as Gyaw Way, had been struggling emotionally since losing his son in a house fire last year. Investigators believe he blamed the victim’s father for that incident, even though reports later confirmed the fire was accidental and likely caused by a space heater.
Police allege Way lured the teen and his father to the home under the pretense of settling a debt. Once inside the car with them, he reportedly opened fire. Witnesses inside the house heard the gunshot, and shortly after, Way returned indoors and lay down on the couch, appearing unusually calm.
Officers later arrested him and recovered ammunition. During questioning, he reportedly expressed remorse but also made statements suggesting deep emotional distress over his son’s death.
Way now faces a charge of first-degree assault causing great bodily harm and remains in custody on a $200,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 13.
The case highlights how unresolved grief and misplaced blame can escalate into life-altering violence.
