Two men convicted in a deadly mass shooting inside a downtown Minneapolis bar will face sentencing on Tuesday morning. The upcoming court date follows a jury’s decision to find both defendants guilty of multiple felony counts tied to the autumn attack at a now-closed venue.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced that Arlonzo Williams Jr., 26, and Dantrell Clark, 25, were convicted of second-degree intentional murder and related charges following a jury trial. The charges stem from an Oct. 7 incident at Bar Zia that left one person dead and three others wounded.
The Investigation and Trial Details
Investigators and prosecutors established that the violence unfolded inside Bar Zia just before 11 p.m. Surveillance footage reviewed during the legal proceedings showed Williams, Clark—identified by authorities as a suspected member of the Lows gang—and an accomplice entering the establishment. Security personnel patted the men down upon arrival, but the group subsequently exited and reentered multiple times without undergoing secondary weapon screenings.
Once inside on the dance floor, the defendants opened fire, killing 21-year-old DaMarco Fletcher Jr. and injuring three other patrons. The jury ultimately convicted both Williams and Clark on a comprehensive set of felony counts:
- Second-degree intentional murder
- Second-degree intentional murder with gang motivation
- Three counts of attempted second-degree intentional murder
- Three counts of attempted second-degree intentional murder with gang motivation
- Prohibited possession of a firearm
Community Impact and Legal Accountability
Bar Zia has since closed its doors permanently.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty addressed the severity of the crimes in an official statement, calling the incident “a disturbing act of gun violence in a crowded area that led to the death of DaMarco Fletcher, Jr., and substantial injuries to three others.” Moriarty added, “They are being held accountable and our community will be protected from them.”
What to Watch Next
With Tuesday morning’s sentencing hearing scheduled, presiding judges will weigh the severity of the convictions, gang enhancements, and criminal histories before handing down prison terms.
If you or someone you know is affected by violence or trauma, confidential support resources and crisis intervention services are available through local community safety networks and mental health support lines. This reporting is intended for informational purposes based on verified court and prosecutorial records.
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