Attorney General’s Office secures guilty plea in murder of Zaria McKeever

Per plea agreement between AG’s Office and defendant, Foday Kevin Kamara agreed to be certified as an adult, plead guilty to 2nd-degree intentional murder, testify at upcoming trial, and be sentenced to 130 months

Trial of three other defendants scheduled to begin April 1

March 22, 2024 (SAINT PAUL) — The Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison today secured a guilty plea from Foday Kevin Kamara in the brutal November 8, 2022, murder of Zaria McKeever. In a hearing in Hennepin County District Court today, Kamara — who earlier this week in juvenile court, had agreed to be certified as an adult — pleaded guilty to one charge of 2nd-degree intentional murder. As part of a plea agreement between the Attorney General’s Office and the defendant, Kamara also agrees to testify at the upcoming trial of the three other adult defendants in the murder of Ms. McKeever: Erick Haynes, Eriana James (f/k/a Haynes), and Tavion James. That trial is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2024. The agreement further specifies that at the end of the trial, the State will recommend to the court that Kamara be sentenced to a term of 130 months. 

“Zaria McKeever was a loving mother, wonderful daughter, awesome sister, and loyal friend. Her murder continues to be both shocking and heartbreaking for her family and all who loved her. My office is dedicated to holding accountable all those responsible for it,” Attorney General Ellison said. “One of the young defendants has now taken responsibility for his role in Zaria’s murder, and he is being held accountable. I thank Zaria McKeever’s family, who continues to demonstrate grace under the most difficult circumstances, and I thank prosecutors and paraprofessionals in my office, who have worked hard on this case, especially Leah Erickson and Erin Eldridge, who secured this plea. I also thank all the law enforcement officers who investigated this tragic case. Meanwhile, we continue to prepare for the trial of the remaining defendants.”

In a criminal complaint filed on March 19, 2024, the State charged Kamara with one count of 2nd-degree intentional murder (not premeditated) and one count of 2nd-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony.

The Brooklyn Park Police Department, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sherriff’s Office, and other assisting law enforcement agencies all conducted a thorough investigation of this crime.