ST PAUL, Minn — The wife of a St. Paul man who was killed outside of his home on Saturday says he was confronting someone trying to break into her car when he was fatally shot.
Michael Scott Brasel died after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, according to an autopsy from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
St. Paul police say a neighbor called 911 just before 7:30 a.m. Saturday to report someone had been shot in their neighborhood on Chilcombe Avenue.
When officers arrived, they found Brasel suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) where Brasel was pronounced deceased.
Family and friends of Brasel said he saw someone "rummaging through his wife's car." In a post Sunday Brasel's wife Hilary paid tribute to her husband.
"Ever the protector and good man he stood up for me with his last effort and breath," she wrote. "He had the best sense of humor, giant love for his boys, and ever-giving spirit to help out those around him. He loved to coach hockey for both the Roseville and Langford Park Youth Hockey Programs over the past 7 years. He loved music, art, and was forever being the silly one to help us all forget our problems and fears. He was one in a million and I have no idea how to do this life without him."
Brasel's impact on those near him was clear Monday, as neighbor Dominick Washington worked to clean up the family's yard. "He was somebody that I certainly looked up to as a neighbor, as a father.. I would joke with him and sometimes say, "Dude you’re making me look bad,"" Washington told KARE 11's Jennifer Hoff. "When it comes to parenting he was just so devoted to his kids, his wife and this community and so this is obviously a devastating loss."
Both Washington and St. Paul police say the neighborhood where the fatal shooting occurred is quiet and rarely touched by crime, but Brasel's death proves no place is immune.
"We’re just unfortunately now on that list of places in our community that have been affected by gun violence," he said grimly.
Scott Hamilton got to know Brasel when they both worked with Langford Park Outdoor Hockey Program. Hamilton spoke of Brasel's infectious spirit and ready smile.
"It’s devastating... I mean the level of senselessness to it is just astounding," Hamilton stated. "So the family loses a father, a friend, a partner, comedian, the community loses someone who’s always willing to step in and help... who doesn’t just say, but acts."
A family friend has established a GoFundMe account for Hilary Brasel and her two sons. The fund originally had a goal of $150,000 to help the family move on without Michael, but was raised to $250,000 when contributions poured in. As of noon Tuesday more than $164,000 had been donated.
"Rest in peace, Michael," reads the post accompanying the GoFundMe account. "Your kindness, passion, and selflessness will continue to inspire and impact the lives of those you touched. Your absence leaves a tremendous void in our community and hearts."
St. Paul police spokesman Sgt. Mike Ernster says homicide detectives are working leads, but so far there are no arrests in the case. He asks anyone in the neighborhood who has a security video system to check images from Saturday morning, to see if the fatal shooting or the person or persons responsible were captured on tape.
In a new statement, Brasel's wife, Hilary, thanked everyone who has reached out to "shower or family with enormous generosity." She goes on to say there is an ever-widening circle of people who are here to support her family.
"We are so grateful for the number of communities who have rallied around us from our beloved hockey and lacrosse families, to our amazing neighbors and friends in St Anthony Park, to our steadfast immediate family and close friends who are helping hold us together. I am so grateful to individuals who have reached out with offers of help us to navigate new worlds we knew nothing about until this tragedy landed on our door step.
Secondly, We want honor the amazing man Michael was, the amazing way he lived his life each day, and the countless lives that he touched be being the guy that ‘ always showed up and did what he said he would do’.
He had the warmest brown eyes, the biggest smile, the quirkiest sense of humor, the best laugh, and a zest for life that changed every one who knew him.
His job as a residential carpenter on historic and unique homes in St Paul and Minneapolis,with Golliker Construction, let his meticulous and precise mind and talents shine.
Outside of work he loved to make art and used so much of his illustration degree from Minneapolis College of Art and design to create logos, posters, portraits, and most of all screen prints. He loved vintage cars, going to car shows, and anything about automotive design. He loved all kinds of music and going to live music shows and multiple venues here in the twin cities.
He loved playing hockey on multiple ‘old man’ hockey teams and coaching hockey for multiple youth hockey teams over the last 7 years. Hockey was his way to connect with his own boys to help grow their skills and confidence, along with an endless list of other young players who loved him as a coach. He also over the last 7 years built a bigger and better back yard rink so his family could play epic 2v2 games and created a way that his boys would always have a way to skate.
Above all of these amazing talents, the greatest thing about Michael was his genuine heart and endless love for those who knew him best. When you were loved by Michael is was not loud and flashy, but it was genuine and true. The love that he shared with his parents, his siblings, extended family and close friends was always full of humor, joy, and the idea that he was always there for you no matter what. The love he shared with his wife and two boys was enormous, steadfast, and unforgettable.
Our hearts are broken and our world has been turned upside down by the senseless tragedy that took his life on Saturday morning in the front yard of our home. We are grieving the loss of Michael’s life in the here and now, but also for all the future moments and milestones that he will never be able to do with those he loved most.
We ask the public to please come forward if you know any details, or have any ideas of who could have taken Michael’s life.
His children and family deserve closure. Michael deserves justice for the life that he was robbed of. Please reach out to the the dedicated and hard working SPPD police department to help them solve this case."
You can reach the SPPD Homicide Department at 651-266-5650.
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