ST PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota author and motivational speaker has written a new book and is holding a panel discussion.

“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation, and rising above trauma.

On Friday, Nov. 1, Martin will speak with a panel at CSPS Hall in St. Paul about her book release.

• Twyla Martin – Author
• Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil rights attorney, activities, and community organizer
• Chantel Sings – Powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and performer
• Ashley DuBose – Singer, songwriter
• Jamela Pettiford – Vocalist and actress
• Lissa Jones – Speaker, advocate for African American history and culture
• Robin Hickman-Winfield – Producer, filmmaker, and CEO of SoulTouch Productions
• Alana Carrington – Creative professional with expertise in the arts, education, and community development

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — The leader of a church in northwestern Minnesota announced in a letter to his congregation that one of its members was killed during a Christian mission trip to Africa.

The letter penned by Lakes Area Vineyard lead pastor Troy Easton said Beau Shroyer of Detroit Lakes was “killed in an act of violence while serving Jesus” in Angola, and that many details about Shroyer’s death are still unknown.

“At this point, there are many details about what’s happened that are still unknown, however, we have been in contact with his wife Jackie, and are doing what we can to come alongside them in this shocking and awful time,” the pastor’s letter said.

According to Easton, Shroyer and his wife shared five children. 

Arrangements to celebrate Shroyer’s life are still uncertain, the letter read, but Easton said the church will share updates with the public when more information becomes available.

Easton’s letter indicates Shroyer was in Africa with SIM USA, an organization long involved in “cross-cultural missions.” 

MINNEAPOLIS — A man will serve a sentence of more than 34 years in prison after pleading guilty in a fatal shooting at an after-hours party in Minneapolis. 

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says 27-year-old Mayan Deng Mayan was sentenced to 414 months, or 34 1/2 years in prison for the murder, which took place outside an Uptown Minneapolis business that was holding an after-bar party the morning of Sept. 18, 2022. 

Police were dispatched to the Fade Barber Shop on the 1600 block of Harmon Place just before 5:30 a.m. and found 28-year-old Birahim Gildersleve of Rochester suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. 

Gildersleve was rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center but did not survive. 

Investigators learned the shooting followed a verbal argument outside the party and used surveillance video and a license plate reader to identify Mayan as the shooter. He was subsequently charged with second-degree murder. 

“Mr. Mayan took the life of Birahim Gildersleve and in doing so, devastated Mr. Gildersleve’s loved ones and damaged a community,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “There is no sentence that can repair the harm, but today’s sentence delivers accountability for Mr. Mayan and is in the interest of public safety.”

Mayan will be credited for 585 days already served.