MINNESOTA HORROR: Beloved hockey coach murdered on doorstep

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The Twin Cities struggle to come to terms with the cold-blooded murder of a beloved high school hockey coach, who was shot dead on the steps of his own home.

Police say Michael Brasel, 44, a father of two, walked out his door at around 7:20 am on May 6 to see a teenager ransacking the family’s car.

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17-year-old Kle Twee has been charged with second-degree murder, but prosecutors in Ramsey County, Minnesota want the boy to be charged as an adult. Twee’s criminal history shows he “doesn’t hesitate” to invade his victims’ privacy, prosecutors said.

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Brasel’s son reportedly told investigators he heard his father say, “What are you doing?” that horrible morning.

Then shots echoed through the quiet suburban street. Basal had been shot in the back and chest. Neighbors and his wife gathered to give him comfort and first aid, but it was too late.

He later died at Hennepin County General Hospital.

“He loved the time he spent with the kids, making sure they all had their skates tied, their helmets secured, and they knew their individual efforts were key to the team’s success,” his wife said in one Explanation.

“His teams have never left the dressing room after a game without having a goal to work on or without acknowledging a moment of development. His words were always full of humor and fatherly wisdom.”

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Witnesses told police they saw a black car with tinted windows and a loud muffler flee the scene. About 2 km away, the car hit a curb and the front bumper was ripped off.

Using the bumper and license plate, investigators were able to trace the car back to earlier traffic checks. CBS News reported. Twee drove the car both times.

A search warrant has been obtained for the suspected killer’s cell phone and forensic investigators have retrieved its location data. According to the data, the teenager was on Brasel’s street at the time of the shooting.

As police closed in, the teenager tried to flee.

Twee previously pleaded guilty to attempting to rob a Harding High School student at gunpoint in April 2022. He rammed the gun into the student’s head and demanded the frightened teenager’s cellphone.

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The crime was recorded and posted on Snapchat. His probation period expired in January.

A former St. Paul police chief lamented the lack of consequences teens face for often violent crimes.

“It’s not a mentality to lock them up and throw away the key, but we need consequences. Enough is enough,” Todd Axtell told CBS News.

“None of two or three options when a person is involved in a criminal-level crime that involves gun violence. We must act immediately. Get this young person off the streets, put them in a safe environment and make sure they get the resources they need.”

He added: “The number of firearms used by young people continues to increase. It is a big concern.”

bhunter@postmedia.com

@HunterTOSun