Family of slain Marine veteran speaks out after Shoreline Plaza mass shooting

Key points

• Dale Henry Spry, 63, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was killed by Carlton Neal Johnson II in the Shoreline Plaza shooting.
• Spry's daughter, Sarah Parsons, and grandson, Anthony Milton, spoke about their grief and the difficulty of accepting his violent death.
• Spry had been estranged from his family for at least three decades and struggled with PTSD and alcohol abuse.
• Carlton Neal Johnson II, 35, was shot and killed by police after a shootout on the ninth floor of the building.
• Johnson also killed Muse A. Afrah, 61, and shot a woman during a custody exchange outside the building.
• Two Minneapolis police officers, Joseph Michnowski and Yahye Ahmed, were injured in the altercation.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of violence at Shoreline Plaza, which had been the subject of over 400 police calls in the two years leading up to the shooting, including a deadly exchange of gunfire in September 2025. The broader context of gun violence in Minneapolis and the role of domestic violence in such incidents have been highlighted by officials. The shooting also follows other high-profile cases of gun violence and family loss, such as the Times Square stabbing and the Fox River boat crash, which have drawn public attention to the impact of violent crime on families.

How outlets are covering it

KSTP.com focused on the emotional response of Spry's family, highlighting their grief and the difficulty of accepting his violent death. KTTC emphasized the investigative details, including the identification of the shooter and victims, the involvement of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the injuries to two police officers. FOX 9 provided a brief overview of the victims and wounded officers, but did not offer additional details beyond the basic facts. The outlets differ in their emphasis, with KSTP focusing on the human impact and KTTC on the investigative process.

Why it matters

The Shoreline Plaza shooting highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Minneapolis and the impact of such incidents on families. The involvement of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the request for a full takeover of the investigation by the Minneapolis Police Department indicate the severity of the case. The shooting also raises questions about security measures in apartment buildings, particularly after previous incidents at Shoreline Plaza. The case underscores the need for better investigation and prevention of gun violence, as well as the importance of addressing domestic violence and mental health issues.

What to watch

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will continue to investigate the motive and details of the shooting, including any connection between the shooter and the victims. The Minneapolis Police Department will likely review security measures at Shoreline Plaza and other apartment buildings in the area. The family of Dale Henry Spry may seek closure and accountability through legal means, and the public may continue to demand better prevention of gun violence and domestic violence.