Police release body cam footage of Desaver Hollis fatal shooting

The City of Richfield has officially released the highly anticipated body-worn camera footage involving the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Desaver Brian Hollis. The incident, which occurred in the early morning hours of April 29, 2026, has sparked intense public debate and calls for transparency from the victim's family and local community advocates. The released video provides a multi-perspective look at the brief yet violent encounter between Hollis and two Richfield police officers, Sgt. Mario Leon and Sgt. Kristian Schultz. As the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) continues its use-of-force investigation, the footage serves as a critical piece of evidence in determining whether the level of force applied was justified under the circumstances of the suspected theft and subsequent exchange of gunfire.

Richfield police released body cam footage on May 11, 2026, documenting the fatal shooting of Desaver Brian Hollis during a confrontation on April 29. The footage shows Sgt. Mario Leon attempting to tackle Hollis, who then appears to fire a handgun, striking Sgt. Leon in the hand. Following this, both Sgt. Leon and Sgt. Kristian Schultz returned fire, resulting in Hollis's death. The family of the deceased has raised concerns regarding the number of shots fired and the potential for excessive force, while the BCA conducts an independent investigation into the incident.

The Initial Encounter and Foot Pursuit

The events leading up to the fatal shooting began at approximately 3:30 a.m. on April 29, 2026. Richfield police officers were dispatched to the 7500 block of Morgan Avenue following a report of a car prowler. Upon arriving in the area, officers Sgt. Mario Leon and Sgt. Kristian Schultz spotted a man, later identified as Desaver Brian Hollis, on the 7500 block of Oliver Avenue South, roughly one block away from the original scene.

According to the police reports and the newly released footage, the officers attempted to stop Hollis for questioning. However, Hollis immediately fled on foot, leading the officers on a chase through nearby apartment parking lots. The body cam video from Sgt. Leon shows the high-intensity nature of the pursuit as he maneuvers through the darkness, shouting commands at the suspect to stop. The foot pursuit was relatively short but ended in a physical struggle that escalated into a deadly exchange of gunfire within seconds of the officers closing the distance.

Analysis of the Body-Worn Camera Footage

The released video package includes raw footage from both Sgt. Leon and Sgt. Schultz, as well as enhanced versions provided by the City of Richfield to highlight specific moments. In the video from Sgt. Leon’s perspective, he is seen exiting his squad car and chasing Hollis into a parking lot. Leon eventually catches up to Hollis and attempts a physical tackle to bring him into custody.

As they hit the ground, a struggle ensues. The enhanced footage appears to show Hollis pulling a handgun while on his back. A freeze-frame provided by the department shows Hollis pointing the weapon toward Sgt. Leon. Simultaneously, Sgt. Schultz is seen arriving at the scene, initially deploying his Taser. However, as shots ring out and Sgt. Leon falls back exclaiming that he has been shot, Schultz transitions to his firearm. The footage captures the rapid succession of gunshots from the officers in response to the initial fire from the suspect.

Officer Injuries and the Use of Deadly Force

During the exchange of gunfire, Sgt. Mario Leon sustained a gunshot wound to his hand. Police reports indicate that the bullet passed through his hand and struck the Taser mounted on his body armor, likely preventing more serious injury. Despite his wound, Sgt. Leon is seen in the footage continuing to engage before eventually seeking cover and reporting his injury.

Sgt. Kristian Schultz, an eight-year veteran of the force, fired his department-issued weapon approximately a dozen times. In total, investigators suggest around 20 shots were fired by the officers during the encounter. This specific detail has become a focal point for the Hollis family's legal team, who question whether such a high volume of fire was necessary once the threat had potentially been neutralized. The use of deadly force is currently being evaluated by the Minnesota BCA to determine if it aligned with departmental policy and state law.

Subject Property	Incident Detail
Date of Incident	April 29, 2026
Location	Richfield, Minnesota (7500 block Oliver Ave S)
Deceased Individual	Desaver Brian Hollis (27)
Officers Involved	Sgt. Mario Leon & Sgt. Kristian Schultz
Officer Injury	Gunshot wound to the hand (Sgt. Leon)
Investigating Agency	Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)

Response from the Hollis Family and Legal Counsel

Following the public release of the footage, the family of Desaver Brian Hollis held a press conference expressing their grief and skepticism. Represented by a national civil rights law firm, the family viewed the footage alongside investigators before it was made available to the general public. Family attorney Trisha Pohland characterized the released video as a "redacted version" that favors the police department's narrative.

The family has demanded to see the full, unedited versions of all recordings, including squad car dash cams and any available surveillance video from the surrounding area. They are also seeking the release of the 911 calls that initiated the police response. "A life was lost," said Nikki Holiday, a legal liaison for the family. "Let's get to the facts before we just put these narratives out there." The presence of Valerie Castile, mother of Philando Castile, at the press conference underscored the community's ongoing concern regarding police shootings of Black men in the Twin Cities area.

Questions Regarding Excessive Force

A primary point of contention for the legal representatives of the Hollis family is the number of rounds fired by the officers. With reports indicating that roughly 20 shots were discharged, the family's attorneys are investigating whether the officers continued to fire after Hollis no longer posed a threat. This aspect of the investigation is critical in determining the "reasonableness" of the force used under the Fourth Amendment.

The BCA is currently reviewing the forensic evidence, including the ballistics from the scene and the positioning of both the officers and the suspect during the struggle. The investigation will also look into the sequence of events to confirm who fired the first shot. While the police department's enhanced video suggests Hollis fired first, the family's legal team insists that only a full, transparent review of all evidence can provide a definitive answer.

The BCA Investigation and Legal Process

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is the lead agency conducting the independent investigation into the shooting. This is standard procedure in Minnesota for officer-involved shootings to ensure an unbiased review of the facts. Once the BCA completes its investigation, it will turn over its findings to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.

County Attorney Mary Moriarty has issued a statement acknowledging the incident and expressing condolences to the family. Her office will be responsible for reviewing the BCA's report and deciding whether to file criminal charges against the officers or to present the case to a grand jury. Both Sgt. Leon and Sgt. Schultz remain on critical incident leave, which is standard administrative protocol during such investigations.

Community Impact and Public Transparency

The release of body cam footage is a significant step in the City of Richfield’s commitment to transparency. Since 2021, the Richfield Police Department has fully equipped its officers with body-worn cameras to provide an objective record of interactions with the public. The department stated that the footage was released pursuant to Minnesota statutes governing public data.

However, the release of such graphic footage often reopens wounds within the community. Advocates for police reform argue that while footage is helpful, it is only one part of a larger need for accountability. The incident has led to increased patrols and community meetings in Richfield as local leaders attempt to manage the tension between law enforcement and residents seeking justice for the Hollis family.

FAQ

Q: When did the shooting of Desaver Hollis occur?
A: The incident took place in the early morning hours of April 29, 2026, at approximately 3:38 a.m.

Q: Why were the police pursuing Desaver Hollis?
A: Officers were responding to a report of a theft from a vehicle in the 7500 block of Morgan Avenue. They encountered Hollis, who matched the suspect's description, and he fled on foot when they attempted to stop him.

Q: How many officers were involved in the shooting?
A: Two officers, Sgt. Mario Leon and Sgt. Kristian Schultz, were involved. Both fired their weapons during the encounter.

Q: Was an officer injured during the incident?
A: Yes, Sgt. Mario Leon was struck in the hand by a bullet allegedly fired by Hollis during the struggle.

Q: Who is investigating the use of force?
A: The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting.

Conclusion

The release of the body cam footage in the Desaver Brian Hollis fatal shooting case provides the public with a firsthand look at a tragedy that has deeply impacted the Richfield community. While the video appears to corroborate the officers' initial reports of a suspect brandishing a firearm and injuring an officer, the concerns raised by the Hollis family regarding the volume of fire and the necessity of deadly force remain at the heart of the ongoing investigation. As the Minnesota BCA continues to piece together the events of April 29, 2026, the focus remains on ensuring a thorough, transparent, and just review of the facts. The final decision by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office will be a pivotal moment for both the pursuit of accountability and the trust between the police and the community they serve.

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