Parker Sentenced to Life for 2024 Frogtown Killing
A St. Paul man received a life sentence without parole for the death of Robert James Brown, which followed a decades-old dispute.
By Samir Doyle ·
Desmen Lee Parker received a life sentence without the possibility of parole on Tuesday for the 2024 murder of Robert James Brown in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul. The judge also imposed a five-year sentence for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, with both terms running concurrently.
Parker was convicted of aiding and abetting first-degree murder. Prosecutors linked the fatal incident to a conflict that began in 2008, when Parker's friend, identified in court records as DC, died in a shooting. Brown was arrested in connection with that death but was released without charges. The two men had a known history with one another dating back to the late 2000s.
According to court records, Brown entered a St. Paul bar around 8:30 p.m. on April 2, 2024. Parker entered shortly after. Upon seeing Parker, Brown reportedly gathered his belongings and left the establishment. He waited in his vehicle until Parker departed, then returned to the bar.
Surveillance video captured Brown leaving the bar at 12:42 a.m. on April 3. The footage shows him being chased by a man down the street. As Brown attempted to reach his car, he was unable to enter it and ran across the street. A vehicle with its headlights off struck him during the crossing.
Investigators identified the man chasing Brown as Parker. After the collision, Parker shot Brown multiple times. The victim died from the injuries sustained in the early morning hours.
