Crime & Safety

Man Accused of Murdering Shea Stremcha Pleads Guilty

Robert Emmanuel Shelby, 28, of St. Paul, pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder charge on April 25, according to Minnesota Court records. With the plea, a burglary charged was dropped.

A man of 2004 graduate Shea Stremcha has pleaded guilty in Hennepin County District Court.

Robert Emmanuel Shelby, 28, of St. Paul, pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder charge on April 25, according to Minnesota Court records, as first reported by the Northfield News. With the plea, a burglary charged was dropped. 

Shelby, along with Semaj Williams, 22, are charged with the July 2011 murder of Stremcha.

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Minneapolis Police say Shelby Minneapolis home in the of July 20, 2011, and then shot him in the chest once and fled, leaving Stremcha bleeding to death on his hallway floor. Williams was allegedly with Shelby during the incident, police said.

Shelby and Williams each face a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison and a $35,000 fine for the second-degree murder charge and first-degree burglary charge. 

A sentencing for Shelby is June 28.

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A trial date has been set for Williams, who pleaded not guilty. Jury selection is expected to begin on Tuesday, May 15, with the trial itself likely beginning on Monday, May 21.

Stremcha's parents, Jeff and Leanne, 15-20 friends will attend each day of the actual trial as a show of support for Stremcha. 

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone planning to attend is asked to complete a sign-up form.

According to Minnesota Court records, Shelby has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for drug charges, fleeing a police officer and possessing a firearm. In 2006, Williams was convicted of aggravated robbery, according to court records.

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