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Charges Filed In 1990 Murder Of 11-Year-Old

Minneapolis (WCCO) ― Police arrested a 34-year-old man Wednesday night and prosecutors charged him with first-degree murder for the stabbing death of 11-year-old Marcus Potts in North Minneapolis in 1990.

"I am happy, I am so happy," said Potts' mother, Cricket Potts said. "I've waited along time for that. I've got a birthday coming up next month and this was the best, best present I could get."

Investigators said Eugene Erik Fort stabbed Marcus Potts 44 times in the face and neck on Dec. 15, 1990. Police believe the child surprised Fort while he was trying to rob the Potts' house 10 days before Christmas.

Marcus Potts' mother found her son's body in his bedroom around 2 a.m., when she returned from her bartending job.

Police have suspected Fort in the murder for nearly 16 years. A trail of bloody footprints lead police to Fort's apartment and he was arrested back in 1990. He was later released because of a lack of evidence.

Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar said new DNA testing of the blood samples taken from Fort's apartment tied him to Marcus Potts' killing. She said there was also new information from witnesses.

Lt. Lee Edwards was a rookie police officer when he responded to the scene. Edwards said the murder of the popular fifth-grader who loved basketball has haunted him throughout his career.

Edwards was there Wednesday night when Fort was arrested around 7 p.m. in St. Paul.

"We never give up, never give up. We never forget that kid and his smile, you know? Something about that child touched us," said Edwards.

Edwards credits veteran detectives Christopher Hauglid and Darcy Klund and prosecutor Judy Johnson for never giving up on this case.

Potts would have turned 27 years old this year.

The criminal complaint filed against Fort in the case has been sealed pending his arrest. He will make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon in Hennepin County District Court.

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