The Minneapolis crime lab was busy Thursday afternoon processing and examining what was described as "strewn body parts" near the Mississippi River in the St. Anthony West neighborhood. It's the city's 43rd homicide of year, because according to police officials, the loss of the body parts would not be survivable.
The unspecific body parts (neighbors told WCCO Radio they saw a leg) were found by a passerby before 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the 300 block of Main Street NE. More body parts were found in a second location near the intersection of 3rd Ave NE and University Ave. Cadaver dogs did not turn up additional body parts, but the search continues for them. Minneapolis Police spokesman John Elder said the victim appears to be a white man in his 30s and the Medical Examiner is working to identify him.
Elder said it appears to be a targeted crime.
"We have no indication whatsoever that there is any sort of an outward threat toward the public," he said. "A crime like this certainly appears to be focused and not a random act."
Anyone with information or video in the area is asked to call Crime Stoppers Minnesota at 800-222-8477.
"This isn't a normal case," Elder said. "This isn't something we see with any regularity, thank goodness. These cases take a toll. These cases are incredibly difficult."
