Brooklyn Park Man Indicted for First-Degree Murder in Zaria McKeever Case

A Brooklyn Park man has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder after allegedly overseeing the murder of his ex-girlfriend.

According to court documents, Erick Haynes, 22, faces three counts in the indictment: premeditated first-degree murder, first-degree murder while committing certain crimes and second-degree murder with intent. 

Zaria McKeever/credit Facebook

Haynes is accused of orchestrating the murder of his ex-girlfriend, 23-year-old Zaria McKeever.

He was previously charged with second-degree murder. 

If found guilty of the first-degree murder charge, he faces life imprisonment without the possibility of release. 

Photo courtesy Hennepin County Jail

According to jail records, Haynes remains in police custody at the Hennepin County Jail. 

In April, Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office took over the prosecution of the case. Previously, the Hennepin County Attorney’s office was overseeing the prosecution. 

Five people have been charged in connection with the crime. 

According to police and charging documents:

Haynes recruited two teens, age 15 and 17, to go to McKeever’s apartment on Nov. 8, 2022. McKeever was inside with her boyfriend. She previously had a relationship with Haynes and have a 1-year-old child together. 

The two teens allegedly broke down McKeever’s door and shot her. 

According to the criminal complaint, Haynes admitted that he bought a gun used in the shooting.

Haynes also admitted to giving the gun to the teenage shooter the night McKeever was murdered. 

See also: 2 Teens, Brooklyn Park Man Charged in Killing of Ex-Girlfriend

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