Matthew Lee, a 20-year-old junior linebacker at St. Olaf College, was fatally shot during a gun robbery gone wrong in a crowded South St. Paul bedroom on September 13, 2025. A 19-year-old St. Paul man now faces murder charges in connection with the shooting that left Lee dead and another man wounded.
Terrell Anthony Ranzy was charged in Dakota County District Court with second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter and illegal gun possession following the incident that occurred around 3:45 a.m. Friday inside a home in the 300 block of 2nd Avenue South. Ranzy remains jailed in lieu of $400,000 bail ahead of a court appearance scheduled for September 25.
According to the criminal complaint, six people were gathered in an upstairs bedroom when the shooting occurred. Lee, an economics major from South St. Paul, was described by witnesses as an innocent bystander who became caught in the crossfire between two armed men.
Court documents reveal that Ranzy and Keith Woodson Cox, 20, of South St. Paul, were both armed with handguns and comparing their weapons in the cramped bedroom. The room contained a bed, desk, dresser and other items, making movement difficult. Cox left the room briefly with two other individuals and told them he planned to rob Ranzy when he returned.
When Cox returned to the bedroom, he pointed his gun at Ranzy and said, “I need you to give me all that.” Ranzy then fell backward onto the bed, fired once into the ceiling, and discharged his weapon multiple times from a crouched position. The gunfire struck both Cox, who was hit in the torso and arm, and Lee, who was fatally wounded.
Police found 14 discharged shell casings of different calibers in the bedroom, suggesting both firearms were discharged during the incident. After the shooting, Ranzy fled the scene but attempted to return to retrieve his cellphone. He was captured by police approximately two hours later in a nearby shed following a neighborhood search that prompted a brief shelter-in-place alert.
Officers initially responded to the residence regarding concerns about a man not breathing. When they arrived at the bedroom, Lee’s body prevented them from opening the door more than a few inches. Upon forcing entry, they discovered Lee had been shot and lacked a pulse. A handgun was found on a table in the room.
Cox faces charges of first-degree attempted aggravated robbery for his role in the incident. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. Court records show Ranzy was previously convicted in Ramsey County of threats of violence in January 2024, which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms.
Lee was in his third season with the St. Olaf Lions football team, where he wore jersey number 42. He had been recovering from an MCL tear that limited his playing time to two games last season, during which he recorded four tackles. Head Coach James Killian described Lee as having overcome adversity during high school while maintaining excellence both academically and athletically.
Killian noted that Lee was a leader at South St. Paul High School who participated in multiple sports and excelled as a student. The coach indicated that Lee had faced personal hardships during his high school years but demonstrated resilience in achieving success on and off the field. Despite not being the largest player on the team, Lee was characterized as having a caring personality that endeared him to teammates.
The St. Olaf community held a prayer service for Lee on Friday evening, which drew significant attendance from the campus. Players placed flowers in Lee’s locker as a memorial gesture. The college has made counseling resources available to students and staff affected by the loss.
A moment of silence in Lee’s memory was observed at the team’s home game against Concordia College of Moorhead on Saturday afternoon, marking their first game since his death. Players wore stickers with Lee’s number 42 on their helmets, a tribute that will continue throughout the remainder of the season.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled Lee’s death a homicide. A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist Lee’s family with funeral expenses, describing him as a devoted son and protective older brother whose presence impacted everyone who knew him.
St. Olaf College is a Division III institution located in Northfield, Minnesota, known for its academic programs and century-old football rivalry with neighboring Carleton College. The shooting has prompted discussions about supporting the team and broader campus community as they process the loss of a student-athlete who was preparing for his junior season.
