Family Mourning Law Clerk's Death In St. Paul Shooting
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- The family of a young law clerk who was gunned down in his St. Paul office on Thursday is planning for the 23-year-old's funeral.
Police say 23-year-old Chase Passauer was at work as a law clerk in the Dacotah Building on Selby Ave. when an upset client who could not reach his attorney shot Chase six times.
The attorney late returned to the office and found Passauer still in his desk chair.
Officers later arrested 37-year-old Ryan Petersen of St. Paul for the shooting.
Passauer's family says even though Chase died in a brutal way, the tragic events have brought out more love and support than they could have imagined. Family member Jennifer Regenscheid described her cousin Chase as a quiet and thoughtful young man.
"He was like most people, following his dreams, following his passion, doing what he loved," Regenscheid said.
In her family's darkest time, Regenscheid has seen the best in others.
"You hear about these tragedies and that is part of life but it obviously hits close to home when it's someone in your own family," Regenscheid said.
Friends and strangers have donated thousands of dollars to help with funeral expenses.
"The world does have good people in it," Regenscheid said. "Sadly, this could happen to anybody's family."
The accused gunman, Ryan Petersen, has a court appearance Monday afternoon for a second-degree murder charge.
Court records show Petersen hired one of the attorney's Chase worked for to represent him in an assault and DWI case that was to go to court in June of 2016. Investigators reported arresting Petersen on Thursday as they believed he was fleeing the area in his car.
Court records show Petersen was arrested and declined to make a formal statement, instead asking for an attorney.
Passauer's family has set up a fundraising account here to help with funeral costs.
To make a donation, click here.