Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty shared on Wednesday that her offices would be charging Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Ryan Londregan in the death of Ricky Cobb II.
Londregan is now facing three criminal counts for shooting and killing Cobb, 33, on July 31, 2023, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office shared.
The county attorney is alleging that Londregan’s deadly use of force during his encounter with Cobb was not justified. Londregan is also being accused of not following his state trooper training during his interaction with Cobb.
As for the charges being brought against Londregan, Moriarty’s office shared in a press release that he is facing second-degree unintentional murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree manslaughter.
"Any time a use-of-force incident ends with the loss of a life, it is tragic," Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol said in a statement. "Ricky Cobb II’s death is no different. This is a sad situation for everyone involved. We acknowledge the deep loss felt by Mr. Cobb’s family and friends. We also recognize the gravity of this situation for the State Patrol and our troopers tasked with making difficult split-second decisions."
Langer also said in accordance with the troopers’ labor contract, Londregan will remain on paid leave while an investigation by the Department of Public Safety’s Internal Affairs Division is completed.
"That investigation has begun and will inform employment decisions," explained Langer. "The State Patrol is also conducting a critical incident review that will examine and inform our training and policies. Today’s announcement of criminal charges by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office marks the next step in the judicial process related to this case. We respect that process and cannot comment further due to the ongoing criminal proceedings."
The press release from Moriarty's office went on to say that Londregan could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder.
“Our hearts are with Ricky Cobb’s family today, who are grieving an unimaginable loss,” Moriarty said. “I know that they are devastated and will continue to feel this loss for the rest of their lives.”
"This County Attorney has provided sweetheart deals to murderers and kidnappers, and now, today, she charges a hero," says Londregan attorney Chris Madel. "This County Attorney is literally out of control. Open season on law enforcement must end. And it’s going to end with this case."