St. Paul police release bodycam video

ST PAUL, Minn. — The St. Paul Police Department has released body camera video of the officers who shot and killed a man believed to be a murder suspect the night before.

Police had been looking for the man, identified as 29-year-old Seantrell Murdock, in connection with a murder Wednesday evening in St. Paul.

According to police, officers conducted surveillance overnight at a home in the 100 block of Meridian Street in Belle Plaine after the suspect's vehicle's license plate was transferred to the home. According to police, a man matching the suspect's description was seen leaving the home around 6:30 a.m. when body cameras captured officers shouting, “Let me see your hands.” An officer can be heard yelling, ” Weapon! Gun!” before several shots were fired.

The officers who fired their weapons were identified as Aaron Bohlen, who has been in law enforcement for 10 years, and Lance Christianson, who has worked locally for 20 years, according to the BCA. Both officers were placed on regular administrative leave.

As the officers were handcuffing Murdock, he could be heard asking the officers, “Why did you shoot me?” One officer responded, “Because you had a gun in your hand.” After the shooting, a gun lies next to Murdock.

Murdock was transported to HCMC where he later died.

The BCA said Murdock is a suspect in a murder that occurred Wednesday, Sept. 25, near the 200 block of East Kellogg Boulevard. The woman was later identified as 66-year-old Carrie Kwok of St. Paul. The Lowertown Lofts Artists Cooperative confirmed on Facebook that Kwok was one of its members and was shot while working on an art project outside the building.

“This has been a very sad time for our city and the families of those affected by the loss of a loved one,” St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry said in a statement. “We are committed to transparency and accountability for our actions and hope that releasing these videos will help answer some of the questions people have. The families, our community and our officers will continue to be our priority as this independent investigation moves forward.”