DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department has confirmed that the victim of Tuesday’s fatal shooting on Piedmont Avenue was 33-year-old Darius Handy of Duluth. Authorities reported that Handy was found deceased from apparent gunshot wounds in the 400 block of Piedmont Avenue, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The news has left the local community deeply shaken, with family, friends, and neighbors mourning the loss of a man whose life was cut short by violence.
Police were called to the scene earlier Tuesday following reports of gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered Handy suffering from what appeared to be fatal injuries. Despite immediate efforts by first responders, Handy was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators have not yet released a confirmed cause of death, but the circumstances are being treated as a homicide, and the case remains under active investigation.
Officials say that the suspect and Handy were believed to know each other, though no arrests have been made at this time. Authorities have not released any information regarding a motive. The Duluth Police Department emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public and urged residents to avoid the immediate area while the investigation continues. Crime scene investigators and patrol units have secured the neighborhood as detectives work to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Police are also reviewing whether this shooting has any connection to a separate incident later Tuesday night involving a St. Louis County Sheriff’s deputy. At this point, authorities have not confirmed any link between the two events, but investigators continue to examine potential overlaps as part of their ongoing work.
According to local reports, Handy had a history of legal issues. He was arrested on January 22, 2026, on suspicion of assault, stemming from a December 2025 incident. That case involved allegations that Handy struck a man with a vehicle during a dispute over unpaid bills. He was scheduled for another court appearance related to this case later in February. Public records also indicate previous convictions in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including felony domestic assault, threats of violence, and violations of domestic abuse no-contact orders. Authorities have not suggested that these prior matters were connected to Tuesday’s shooting.
The Duluth Police Department continues to investigate the fatal shooting and is asking anyone with information to come forward. Officers and detectives remain on scene, collecting evidence and speaking with witnesses. Residents are encouraged to cooperate with authorities while staying clear of the area for safety reasons. As the community grapples with the tragic loss of Darius Handy, police hope that public tips and cooperation will help bring clarity and justice in the coming days.
