A Minnesota artist, Carrie Shobe Kwok, 66, was shot and killed while working on a street mural in St. Paul on September 25, 2024. The attack, described as random by authorities, shocked the local community and raised concerns about gun violence and mental health treatment.
Kwok, an active member of the Lowertown Lofts Artist Cooperative, was known for her vibrant artistic contributions and love for life. She was working on an outdoor mural when 29-year-old Seantrell Murdock approached and shot her. According to police, there was no known connection between Kwok and Murdock, making the incident even more bewildering to those who knew her.
The St. Paul Police Chief, Axel Henry, called Kwok’s murder “one of the most cold-blooded things I’ve seen in my life.” Murdock, who had a history of mental health issues, including bipolar and schizoaffective disorders, was previously civilly committed in 2023 but had been allowed to continue treatment on a voluntary basis. The nature of his treatment at the time of the attack is unclear, but he had also been convicted of first-degree burglary in 2014.
Friends and family of Kwok held a vigil to honor her memory, gathering on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lost Fox, a cafe near the spot where she was killed. Several friends shared their thoughts about her generosity and warmth during the vigil. One of her neighbors, Tara Tieso, recalled Kwok’s hospitality, saying, “She would text people at 8:30 at night like, ‘I have apple crisp and I can’t eat it all, so come over’.” Her spontaneous acts of kindness were common in the stories shared by those who attended the gathering.
Kwok, who leaves behind two children and four grandchildren, was remembered for her creativity, generosity, and devotion to her community. Her sister, Julie Shobe, described her sister as “strong, opinionated” and someone who “took care of a lot of people.” She was also a devout Christian; many noted her faith as a key character element.
Murdock was located in Belle Plaine the day after the attack and was killed during a confrontation with law enforcement. While the details of his mental health treatment remain unclear, his case has reignited discussions about the need for more effective mental health interventions in the state. Residents expressed their frustrations with ongoing gun violence and the lack of comprehensive support for individuals with mental health challenges.
Ta-coumba Aiken, a fellow artist and resident in the same building as Kwok, heard the gunshots and voiced his frustration over the heartbreaking loss. He highlighted the numerous senseless acts involving guns and stressed the need for greater responsibility in controlling access to firearms. Others at the vigil shared similar feelings, with many calling for increased efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.
