by Minnesota – A 30-year-old Minnesota man was arrested and charged after allegedly shooting a 24-year-old partygoer in the face and back, just moments after meeting him in an apartment complex parking lot. Authorities say the suspect later confessed to the killing, claiming self-defense.
Shocking Shooting in Hibbing Apartment Lot
The suspect, Daniel James Dale, was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with intentional second-degree murder in the death of Parker Charles Johnson, according to the Hibbing Police Department.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 2:16 a.m. Sunday at the Meadowview Apartments in the 5300 block of 9th Avenue West. Upon arrival, they found Johnson lying on the pavement with a gunshot wound to the chest and a shotgun nearby. Several 9mm shell casings were also recovered at the scene.
Despite efforts by first responders, Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Our detectives immediately began piecing together the events of that night, which led us to the suspect within hours,” police said in a statement.
Witness Saw ‘Deadpool’ Shooter Fire Shots
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Duluth News Tribune, a witness told investigators they saw a man wearing a Deadpool sweatshirt firing a handgun three times. Initially, the witness assumed the man was “just drunk” and shooting into the nearby woods.
Later, that same man—identified as Dale—was seen attending a party inside the apartment complex.
When questioned by police, Dale allegedly laughed multiple times, claiming he was inside the building when the shots were fired and didn’t know the victim. However, surveillance footage showed Dale wearing the Deadpool sweatshirt just minutes before officers arrived — and removing it shortly afterward.
Confession and Claim of Self-Defense
After being confronted with the evidence, Dale eventually confessed, saying he shot Johnson but acted in self-defense.
“We are going to stop. I am going to say, yes, I shot him,” Dale told detectives, according to Northern News Now. “Yes, I f—ing shot him, and it has been eating away at me all f—ing night.”
Dale claimed Johnson had led him outside, saying he wanted to “show him something funny,” before allegedly retrieving a long gun from his car and pointing it at him. Dale said he then pulled out his handgun and fired three shots.
However, investigators say security footage and forensic evidence contradict Dale’s version of events. The first bullet struck Johnson in the face, and the final two hit him in the back, fired six seconds apart — suggesting Johnson was turning away when he was killed.
Aftermath and Investigation
Dale reportedly returned to the party after the shooting, attempting to “act normal” rather than help the victim.
“When I saw where my bullets hit, I knew he was f—ed,” he allegedly told police. “I stood over him. I looked down at him. I did not want my DNA on the situation.”
He also admitted he didn’t even know Johnson’s name, referring to him dismissively during questioning.
Dale refused to hand over his 9mm handgun for forensic testing, telling officers, “No, I am not comfortable giving up my private property.”
He is currently being held without bond at the St. Louis County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on November 17.
The chilling details of the encounter — and the conflicting claims of self-defense — have left the Hibbing community shaken as authorities continue to investigate.
Do you think the shooter’s self-defense claim holds up, or does the evidence suggest otherwise? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the discussion at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
