Minnesota Man Accused of Killing Ex-Girlfriend Minutes After She Posted About Him “Stalking” Her Faces New First-Degree Murder Charges
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — A 50-year-old Minneapolis man accused of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend moments after she posted on Facebook describing him as “stalking” her is now facing additional first-degree murder charges, according to newly filed court documents.
The victim, 34-year-old Mariah Rosanna Samuels, was killed outside her home on Sept. 14, just minutes after she publicly shared her fears about the suspect, David Eugene Wright.
Prosecutors Add New Charges After Reviewing Months of Controlling and Violent Messages
Investigators say a deeper review of text messages exchanged between Wright and Samuels revealed a months-long pattern of threats, jealousy, and escalating violence.
The amended complaint now includes:
- First-degree premeditated murder
- First-degree murder while committing domestic abuse with a past pattern of violence
Both charges carry mandatory life sentences.
In the newly documented messages, Samuels repeatedly tells Wright she needs space, referencing violent incidents that had taken place in August. Wright’s responses were allegedly volatile and threatening.
On August 21, Wright allegedly texted:
“If you don’t bring your a— home right now I’m bout to blow this b— down.”
He later sent another message:
“Man, someone going to die tonight.”
That same evening, Wright allegedly pistol-whipped Samuels, leading to a prior assault charge and Samuels’ filing of a protection order against him.
Victim Was Shot Minutes After Posting on Facebook About Being “Stalked”
Court documents state that on the morning of the shooting, at approximately 7:45 a.m., Samuels posted on Facebook accusing Wright of stalking her at 4 a.m. and expressing frustration that authorities had not protected her.
Eight minutes later, at 7:53 a.m., police were dispatched to a home on Russell Avenue North for reports of multiple gunshots.
Officers arrived to find Samuels lying near the open driver’s-side door of her Jeep Compass, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to her chest and torso. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Investigators say Wright had allegedly been hiding outside her home, waiting for her to walk to her vehicle.
Witnesses Describe Point-Blank Shooting and Suspect Fleeing on Bicycle
Witness accounts provided investigators with crucial details.
One witness reported hearing:
- Five gunshots,
- A brief pause,
- Screaming,
- Followed by another round of gunfire.
From his upstairs window, he saw Samuels on the ground while a man stood next to her vehicle “removing items” before moving to the other side and retrieving a bicycle, fleeing the scene while carrying a firearm.
Another witness described a man with shoulder-length dreadlocks, wearing a long-sleeve shirt, opening the Jeep’s door and shooting the victim at point-blank range.
Surveillance footage from the neighborhood reportedly matched Wright’s description.
Samuels Sought Protection Weeks Earlier, Citing Fear for Her Life
Records show that after the August pistol-whipping incident, Samuels filed a petition for protection, describing extreme fear and stating she took Wright’s threats seriously. She told authorities he had previously:
- Struck her with a firearm
- Tried to grab her by the throat
- Threatened to shoot her
- Threatened to smash her vehicle windows
Investigators say these events formed a clear pattern of escalating abuse leading up to the killing.
Wright Allegedly Confessed During Questioning
During police questioning, investigators say Wright was shown a photo of Samuels. He allegedly responded:
“I’m not going to fight this situation.”
Shortly after, he added:
“This is not going to be a hard-fought case.”
Wright has been held without bond at the Hennepin County Jail since his arrest.
As Minneapolis continues to confront the devastating impact of domestic violence and system failures that leave victims vulnerable, this case highlights the urgency of stronger protections and faster intervention. For continued updates on major criminal investigations, public safety, and breaking Midwest news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.