Shoreview slaying victim ID'd; woman sought

A man found dead from a gunshot wound on Aug. 29 in Shoreview has been identified as 26-year-old Hagos Tsegay Melake of South St. Paul, according to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.

An unidentified woman later photographed at an ATM using one of his bank cards is being sought as a person of interest in the homicide investigation.

A deputy responding to a call of someone slumped against a building in the 5700 block of Hamline Avenue N. found Melake, who didn't have any identifying documents on him. He was found lying in the parking lot of a business.

Further investigation has found that Melake was last seen leaving the Hunan Garden Restaurant on Cedar Street in downtown St Paul about 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 29. His card was used at an ATM at a U.S. Bank office on West Broadway in Minneapolis about 4:30 a.m. There is no known connection to any other recent homicide.

Investigators are looking for anyone who had contact with Melake at the Hunan Garden Restaurant on the night of Aug. 28 or has information on his activities early on Aug. 29. They should call the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office at 651-266-7320.

Anyone with information about the unknown woman should call that number as well.

Information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever killed Melake is eligible for a reward through the Minnesota Crime Stoppers program.

Jim Anderson • 651-925-5039

Twitter: @StribJAnderson