Burnsville Suspect Shannon Gooden Wiki, Age, Wife, Criminal Record & More

All About Burnsville Shooting Suspect Shannon Gooden

Shannon Gooden (age 38, born 1985), was a painter by profession, known for his involvement in a tragic event in Burnsville, Minnesota. In this incident, Gooden fatally shot two police officers and a first responder.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed Gooden’s identity as the assailant. The incident occurred when Gooden barricaded himself inside a residence and opened fire on law enforcement officers.

During the attack, seven children, aged 2 to 15, were present in the house. Unfortunately, Gooden’s actions resulted in the deaths of two police officers and a firefighter before he took his own life.

Why Did Gooden Fire Rounds At First Responders?

In the early hours of February 18, 2024, Shannon Gooden opened fire on first responders from the second-floor window of his rented house in Burnsville, Minnesota. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. when police were called to respond to a domestic situation at the residence, where Gooden had barricaded himself with his family inside.

Tragically, the situation escalated, resulting in the deaths of Burnsville police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, as well as firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth. Sergeant Adam Medlicott also sustained injuries but survived.

The heartbreaking aspect of the incident was intensified by the presence of seven children, aged 2 to 15, inside the residence. Court records later revealed a troubled history for Gooden, including allegations of domestic abuse and assault.

The community was deeply affected by the tragedy, prompting ongoing investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding the event.

Domestic Violence

A former girlfriend of Shannon Gooden reported an incident in 2017 where she claimed Gooden caused her a concussion and a black eye by throwing her down the stairs.

Another woman described an incident in 2020 where Gooden allegedly grabbed a knife during an argument, cutting her clothes and causing her to fall down the stairs. She also mentioned instances of physical abuse, including hair-pulling and assaults by family members.

Despite these allegations, neither woman was able to obtain a protection order. In one case, a petition was dismissed due to lack of evidence when the woman failed to appear for a hearing.

One of these women, believed to have been living with Gooden, was present during the fatal shooting of the first responders. This raises questions about how Gooden obtained a gun despite being banned from owning firearms.

Gooden’s Troubling Life

Shannon Gooden was born in Minnesota, USA, in 1985. Growing up in Minneapolis, he had a troubled upbringing marked by violence. In 2008, at the age of 23, Gooden was convicted of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

The incident occurred in a Burnsville shopping center parking lot, where Gooden got into a fight, wielding a knife and throwing rocks at his opponent. Originally charged as a felony, his conviction was later reduced to a misdemeanor due to his adherence to probation terms.

As part of his sentence, Gooden was banned for life from owning firearms, a restriction he tried unsuccessfully to lift in August 2020, citing concerns for his and his family’s safety.

Gooden told the court he had made efforts to better himself, including completing anger management and parenting classes, furthering his education, and maintaining steady employment in auto repair for many years. He claimed to support his long-term girlfriend, her two children, and his own five children.

However, the Dakota County Attorney’s Office painted a different picture. They highlighted additional run-ins with the law, including assaults, disorderly conduct, and numerous traffic violations, indicating a pattern of disregard for the law. The office also noted two protection orders filed against Gooden by women with whom he shared children.

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Shannon Gooden FAQs

Ques: How old was Shannon Gooden?

Ans: Shannon was 38.

Ques: Where did Shannon Gooden live?

Ans: Lakeville, Minnesota, United States.

Ques: What is the name of the shooter who killed Burnsville Police Officers and a Firefighter?

Ans: Shannon Gooden.