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2 Arrested In 5-Year-Old's Shooting Death

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the recent shooting death of a 5-year-old boy in north Minneapolis.

Nizzel Anthony George was at his grandmother's home in north Minneapolis on Tuesday afternoon when someone fired a reported 10 shots into the living room. He was two months away from his sixth birthday and about to enter the first grade.

"You don't understand what it's like to kiss your baby while he's dead," mother Christina Banks said.

Nizzel was taken to North Memorial Medical Center, but was pronounced dead of his injuries shortly after his arrival there.

On Friday, Minneapolis Police announced that two juveniles had been arrested Thursday evening in Brooklyn Center. The case was being investigated by members of the MPD homicide department as well as the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak said he was pleased to see arrests made in the tragic case.

"In the wake of a horrible tragedy, Minneapolis residents should be proud of the fact that our community and Minneapolis Police have worked around the clock to bring justice in this case," he said.

Despite the break in the investigation, Banks is still deeply feeling the loss of her son.

Some of Nizzel's other relatives said they just want those who killed the 5-year-old to be held accountable.

"We don't want revenge, we just want justice," said Lewis George, Nizzel's uncle.

One of the two arrested was booked at the Juvenile Detention Center for probable cause murder, and the other for probable cause weapons possession.

Charges could come down on Monday, police said, along with potentially more information about the case.

News of the arrests came as a surprise to north Minneapolis residents like Richard Gray.

"It is unsettling, but we see it every day almost," he said. "There are too many people who just don't have respect for other people anymore."

The state offered a $10,000 reward for information on the care. But not just to help find Nizzel's killers; police are stilling trying to solve the shooting of 3-year old Terrell Mayes, who was killed last December by a errant bullet.

A vigil for Nizzel is being held on Saturday afternoon at 4500 Bryant Avenue North at 3 p.m.

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