Minnesota Supreme Court Overturns Aiding and Abetting Murder Conviction of St. Cloud Man

(KNSI) — A St. Cloud man convicted of aiding and abetting first degree murder has had his conviction overturned by the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Prosecutors in Clay County say 32-year-old Abdi Mohamed Abdi of Fargo was found shot to death in a Moorhead gas station parking lot on September 10th, 2021. Prosecutors filed aiding and abetting charges against Ibrahim Abdiaziz Isaac on October 5th after they said he drove alleged triggerman Idris Haji-Mohamed and one other man from St. Cloud to Fargo the day of the shooting. Police say they fled the area and returned to St. Cloud, where Isaac was arrested nine days later.

Isaac is also accused of buying a car and giving it to Haji-Mohamed. That car was identified as the one used in the crime, according to police. After the shooting, Isaac allegedly registered the car under his name and used it regularly. A search of Isaac’s home reportedly turned up bullets matching the ones used to shoot Abdi. Prosecutors say Isaac gave the ammunition to Haji-Mohamed. Isaac was charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder in the case.

In December of 2021, a grand jury indicted both men on more severe charges. Haji-Mohamed was indicted for one count of first-degree premeditated murder. Isaac was indicted on one count of first-degree aiding and abetting murder with premeditation.

In February of 2023, Issac was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Isaac’s attorneys appealed, and the case was brought before the Minnesota Supreme Court. In a majority decision, the panel ruled the evidence presented didn’t prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Isaac was aware Haji-Mohamed was going to kill anyone and reversed his conviction.

Isaac is still in custody but will be freed once the judgment is formally entered.

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