Two charged in Bar Zia killing; prosecutors cite security lapses, city shutters bar
Prosecutors say a July shooting at downtown Minneapolis’ Bar Zia left 21-year-old Damarco Fletcher Jr. dead and three others wounded (women, 35 and 22, and a 24-year-old man) and led to charges against Arlonzo Williams Jr., 26, for second‑degree murder, illegal gun possession and three counts of attempted murder, and Dantrell DaJuan Clark, 24, as an accomplice on murder and attempted murder counts. Charging documents allege coordinated, gang-related conduct and security lapses — including patrons being allowed to re‑enter without screening after suspects briefly exited to retrieve a gun — and the city closed Bar Zia three days later for a licensing violation tied to lack of insurance.
📌 Key Facts
- A shooting at downtown Minneapolis bar Bar Zia killed one person and wounded three others.
- Suspects charged are Arlonzo Williams Jr., 26 (charged with second-degree murder, illegal gun possession and three counts of attempted murder) and Dantrell DaJuan Clark, 24 (charged as an accomplice with murder and attempted murder counts).
- Charging documents allege security lapses at Bar Zia: patrons who exited and re-entered were not rechecked; the suspects exited to a car, retrieved a gun, then re-entered without screening.
- Prosecutors characterize the attack as coordinated, gang-related (Highs vs. Lows): an accomplice shielded the victim, Clark punched the victim, Williams fired at close range, and investigators recovered 13 .40-caliber casings.
- The fatality was identified as 21-year-old Damarco Fletcher Jr.; the three wounded are two women, 35 and 22, and a 24-year-old man.
- The City of Minneapolis closed Bar Zia three days after the shooting for a license violation related to lack of insurance, with a notice posted on the door.
- Chief Brian O’Hara said Bar Zia had been a disproportionate source of police calls, had improved after prior work with the Minneapolis Police Department, but had seen rising calls in recent weeks.
📰 Sources (2)
Prosecutors allege security lapses at downtown Minneapolis bar where shooting killed 1, wounded 3
New information:
- Suspects identified and charged: Arlonzo Williams Jr., 26 (second-degree murder, illegal gun possession, three counts of attempted murder) and Dantrell DaJuan Clark, 24 (charged as an accomplice with murder and attempted murder counts).
- Charging documents allege security lapses: patrons re-entering were not re-checked; the suspects exited to a car, retrieved a gun, then re-entered without screening.
- City of Minneapolis closed Bar Zia three days after the shooting for a license violation related to lack of insurance (notice posted on door).
- Victim identified as 21-year-old Damarco Fletcher Jr.; three others wounded (women 35 and 22, man 24).
- Prosecutors describe coordinated, gang-related conduct (Highs vs. Lows), including an accomplice shielding the victim, Clark punching the victim, and Williams firing at close range; 13 .40-caliber casings recovered.
- Chief Brian O’Hara said Bar Zia had been a disproportionate source of calls, improved after prior work with MPD, but saw rising calls in recent weeks.