Killed by Police: Family Remembers Brian Quiñones One Year Later
Richfield, MN – One year after police shot and killed 31-year-old father, husband, and hip hop artist Brian Quiñones, his family and supporters gather for a night of remembrance. Tune in this evening to Unicorn Riot’s live streaming coverage:
Also known as ‘Blessed the M.C.’, Brian Quiñones-Rosario led police on a small chase through southern suburbs on September 7, 2019, before exiting his vehicle with a short knife. He was subsequently shot to death within seconds by police standing about 20 feet away from him.
Unicorn Riot arrived on the scene of the killing shortly after and heard from a witness who said he witnessed Brian with a small pocket knife as well as his shooting.
During an exclusive interview, Brian’s mother, wife, and son shared their thoughts with Unicorn Riot outside of an October city council meeting in Richfield.
In February 2020, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman decided the actions of the officers in killing Quiñones were justified. The five officers involved in the shooting were: Edina’s Nicholas Pedersen and Benjamin Wenande; and Richfield officers Dylan Schultz, Joseph Carroll, and Macabe Stariha.
Ashley Quinones, the widow of Brian, has been continuously pushing for justice for her husband and has created a community support group called the Justice Squad, which played an integral role in organizing the National Mother’s March and Weekend Against Police Violence in Saint Paul.
Brian’s family has started a petition seeking 1,000 signatures on Change.org to re-open his case.
Unicorn Riot's Coverage of the Police Killing of Brian Quinones-Rosario:
- Minnesota Police Kill Local Hip Hop Artist After Pursuit - Sept. 8, 2019
- Vigil for Police Shooting Victim Shuts Down Interstate - Sept. 9, 2019
- Family to View Footage in Fatal Police Killing This Week - Oct. 22, 2019
- Decision Rescinded, Police Back Out of Releasing Footage of Brian Quinones’ Killing - Oct. 25, 2019
- Mall of America Prohibits Families of Police Killings Over Planned Black Friday Protest - Nov. 29, 2019
- No Charges Against Minnesota Police Who Killed Hip-Hop Artist - Feb. 10, 2020
