Advocates Support Evidence-Driven Approach in Nudieland Case
For Immediate Release: November 18, 2024
Contact: simona.jones@colorofchange.org
Minneapolis, Minnesota: On August 11, 2023, a mass shooting at a LGBTQ+-friendly punk concert venue known as “Nudieland” tragically claimed the life of Nicholas August Golden, a local musician and songwriter, and injured six others. In October, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) filed adult charges against Dominic James Burris, who was 17 at the time of the shooting. Earlier this week, the HCAO announced that it had reached a plea deal with the other suspect, Cyrell Boyd, who was also 17 at the time of the shooting. Under this agreement, Boyd will serve a sentence at Red Wing, the state’s youth prison, and receive stayed sentences at both the juvenile and adult levels.
Today, the Hennepin County Attorney Community Relations Board (HCACRB) issued a statement in response to recent developments in this case.
“Our deepest sympathies are with those who have been impacted by this senseless tragedy. It is a painful reminder that we must continue to stand up against LGBTQ+ hate and violence. Given Boyd’s trauma history and age at the time of the shooting, we support the HCAO’s decision to offer a deal that provides him with a chance for rehabilitation. At the same time, we must emphasize that charging Burris as an adult is neither a just nor effective response. There is a plethora of scientific research demonstrating key developmental differences between juveniles and adults. The American Psychological Association maintains that juveniles’ immaturity (underdeveloped sense of responsibility), vulnerability (susceptibility to negative influences) and changeability (potential for rehabilitation) are the same regardless of the offense committed. As a result, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly held that juveniles are less blameworthy than adults and more capable of change and rehabilitation – outcomes that are often undermined in the adult justice system.
This is an incredibly nuanced case. Many of Golden’s loved ones have voiced their opposition to relying on incarceration as a form of justice, particularly considering the age of those accused. We are reminded that we must pioneer approaches focused on healing and repairing harm, rather than perpetuating cycles of violence and retribution.”
The coalition is open to comments on the matter.
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ABOUT HCACRB
The Hennepin County Attorney Community Relations Board is a collective of individuals and organizations that aims to advance prosecutorial reform and transform the relationship between the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office and the Hennepin County community through transparency, accountability, and collaboration.