A 20-year-old man was shot and killed Sunday afternoon in St. Paul's Eastview neighborhood, authorities said.
Officers responded around 4:30 p.m. to a report of shots fired in the 1400 block of E. 6th Street and found a man's body when they arrived.
A neighbor directly across the street said he heard a distinctive popping noise and called 911 after finding the victim's body.
"People set off fireworks here all the time, so I didn't jump up at first," he said. "But when I looked out the window, I saw a man lying in the street."
Friends and relatives identified him as Devon Goode of St. Paul.
"He has a heart of gold," said a woman who identified herself as Goode's cousin. She described him as a talented athlete and loving father to a young girl.
Goode died on a quiet street less than two blocks from Harding High School.
More than a dozen neighbors and relatives gathered behind the police tape around dusk watching officers canvas the block.
Lamonte White and his wife, Natasha White, said the shooting was the first violence they'd seen in their nine years on the block. "I don't think they're from here. They can't be," Lamonte White said of those involved. "Nothing ever happens here."
Later Sunday, two others were injured by gunfire in St. Paul's East Midway neighborhood. They were taken to Regions Hospital.
More than 80 people have been shot in St. Paul so far this year, said Sgt. Mike Ernster. Sunday's shooting was the city's 10th homicide.
"We need the public's help," Ernster said. He encouraged anyone with information to call St. Paul police at 651-266-5660.
Liz Sawyer • 612-673-4648
