St. Paul, Minnesota – The tragic death of 14-year-old Demaris Hobbs-Ekdahl, caught in the crossfire of a shootout at a graduation party in Woodbury nearly three years ago, continues to haunt his mother. She tearfully shared during a court hearing that she has yet to properly grieve for her son, as she recounted the heart-wrenching moment when he told his brother he couldn’t breathe after being struck by a bullet.
Trisha Ekdahl’s pain was palpable as she expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of her son and her lack of forgiveness towards the man responsible for his death, Enrique Lucio Davila. The gunman received a 20-year prison sentence as part of a plea agreement reached with the prosecution after firing more than 40 bullets at the gathering, one of which fatally wounded Hobbs-Ekdahl.
Davila’s guilty plea to aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon came after months of legal proceedings, offering a semblance of closure for Demaris’ family. The sentencing marked the end of a lengthy quest for justice, as Washington County Attorney Kevin Magnuson emphasized the community’s shock and sadness over the senseless killing.
The tragic events unfolded when Davila, along with Xavier Le’Drew Hudson and Jaden Lavan Townsend, confronted Hobbs-Ekdahl and his brother, leading to a deadly escalation that claimed Demaris’ life. Despite the painful memories and loss, Demaris’ legacy lives on in the hearts of his loved ones and teammates, who honor his memory on the football field.
The impact of Demaris’ untimely death reverberates through Tartan High School’s football program, with his coach, Matt Diediker, acknowledging the profound absence felt by the team. As they continue to play in his honor, Demaris remains a cherished member of the football family, immortalized through the retirement of his jersey and the enduring spirit he brought to the field.
Through the grief and sorrow, Demaris’ family finds solace in the memories of his bright smile, infectious laughter, and kindhearted nature. As they navigate life without him, they cling to the legacy he left behind, a beacon of light that continues to shine brightly in their hearts. Despite the pain of his absence, Demaris’ spirit lives on, a testament to the impact he had on those around him.