3 indicted in fatal drive-by shooting

Published 10:32 am Thursday, October 23, 2014

ST. PAUL — A grand jury in Ramsey County has indicted three men in a 2012 fatal drive-by shooting.

Authorities said the three men opened fire on a house in St. Paul, riddling the home with bullets and killing 56-year-old Leonard Christian Sr., the unintended target. Police believe the shooting was gang-related and that the men were targeting Christian’s son.

Twenty-two-year-old Desean Thomas and 23-year-old Juan Martinez are charged with first-degree premeditated murder for the benefit of a gang. Twenty-two-year-old Ramone Smaller is charged with aiding an offender.

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Christian is described as a soft-spoken man who was proud of his family painting business.