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Man Charged With Murder In Gunfight-Turned-Crash That Killed Autumn Merrick, 18

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- About two weeks after a gunfight and crash led to the death of an innocent bystander near downtown Minneapolis, prosecutors have charged a man with murder.

Autumn Merrick, 18, was on a scooter heading home from work in the North Loop neighborhood on the night of Oct. 6 when people in a Range Rover and a Dodge Durango began shooting at each other. The Durango eventually crashed into Merrick and killed her.

Autumn Merrick
Autumn Merrick (credit: Carmane Teetzel)

Investigators say 33-year-old Christopher Walker was driving the Range Rover. Police say they found several guns inside both SUVs.

Officers responded to the scene just after 11 p.m. when they heard gunfire. followed by a loud crash.

The Durango had crashed into a nearby building. A witness who was with Merrick at the time said the driver of that vehicle hit her and pushed her into the building. Merrick died at the scene.

The Range Rover hit a light pole and caught fire. The complaint states all three occupants "suffered significant injuries."

Surveillance footage from across the city shows the Range Rover chasing the Durango, according to investigators.

MORE: Autumn Merrick, Killed In Crash During Downtown Minneapolis Shootout, Honored By Youth-Led Bakery She Helped Found

Walker was charged Tuesday with two counts of second-degree murder and a count of being a convict in possession of a firearm. He is not in custody. He could face up to 95 years in prison if convicted.

The other suspects have not been charged.

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