A bench trial in Dakota County
The courtroom in Dakota County became the stage for a closely watched homicide trial after a fatal encounter that left Matthew Lee, a 20‑year‑old St. Olaf College football player, dead. Lee had been visiting his hometown of South St. Paul when the incident unfolded, drawing attention from the local community and the college.
Terrell Anthony Ranzy, who was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior conviction, stood accused of shooting Lee during an alleged robbery attempt. Over twelve days of bench proceedings, the judge examined testimony from witnesses, including members of Lee’s family and law‑enforcement officers, before delivering a verdict that surprised many.
Self‑defense at the center of the deliberation
Ranzy’s legal team argued that he acted out of a reasonable belief that his life was in danger, invoking both self‑defense and defense of property. The prosecution countered that the use of lethal force was excessive, but the judge found the defense narrative compelling enough to acquit Ranzy of the more serious charges.
The verdict also addressed a separate charge: illegal possession of a firearm by an ineligible person. Ranzy was found guilty on that count, a conviction that reflects his prior criminal record and the strict gun‑ownership restrictions in Minnesota.
Ripple effects and next steps
Keith Brian Woodson Cox Jr., the alleged robbery instigator, survived his own gunshot wounds and remains charged with aggravated robbery. Meanwhile, the judge is required to file written findings of the essential facts within seven business days, a procedural step that will likely provide further clarity on the case’s legal nuances.
St. Olaf College, located in Northfield, Minnesota, expressed condolences to the victim’s family and reaffirmed its commitment to campus safety. The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, which oversaw the investigation, continues to cooperate with state authorities as the legal process moves forward.