Plymouth man now charged with murder in 2022 shooting
Hennepin County prosecutors have charged Austin Robert LeClaire, 30, with second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, Daisy Olga Melia Colonnese, who died in August 2025 from complications of a 2022 gunshot wound she suffered at their Plymouth home. LeClaire had already pleaded guilty in 2023 to first-degree attempted murder for the same shooting and is serving an 18‑year sentence, but the medical examiner’s ruling on her death allowed prosecutors to pursue a new murder count, which they say is not barred by double‑jeopardy because the victim was still alive when he was originally sentenced. The new complaint cites surveillance showing LeClaire arguing with and threatening to shoot Colonnese before firing, and describes her nearly three years of intensive medical care that prosecutors call "truly hellacious."
đź“Ś Key Facts
- Defendant: Austin Robert LeClaire, 30, now charged with second-degree murder in Hennepin County.
- Victim: Daisy Olga Melia Colonnese was shot in the head on Nov. 25, 2022 in Plymouth and died in August 2025 from complications of that wound.
- LeClaire previously pleaded guilty in 2023 to first-degree attempted murder for the same incident and is serving an 18‑year sentence with an estimated release date of December 2034.
- The new complaint argues double‑jeopardy does not apply because Colonnese’s death—and the facts needed to prove completed murder—had not occurred at the time of his attempted‑murder plea and sentencing.
- Police say surveillance video contradicts LeClaire’s claim the gun went off accidentally, showing him arguing with and threatening to shoot Colonnese before pulling the gun.
đź“Š Relevant Data
In Minnesota, over the past 30 years, 16% of domestic violence homicide victims were Black, while Black individuals comprise less than 7% of the state's population.
Report identifies major gaps in MPD’s response to domestic violence — Minnesota Reformer
In Minnesota, over the past 30 years, 6% of domestic violence homicide victims were Native American, while Native Americans comprise only 1% of the state's population.
Report identifies major gaps in MPD’s response to domestic violence — Minnesota Reformer
Minnesota recorded 40 domestic violence-related homicides in 2023, the highest number in over 30 years of record-keeping.
The Topline: Domestic violence-related homicides hit record high — Minnesota Reformer
In 2020, 40% of domestic violence homicide victims in Minnesota were Black, while comprising less than 7% of Minnesota's population.
Report: Minnesota had 30 known victims of intimate partner homicide in 2020 — MPR News
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