The woman who bought the guns that her romantic partner used to kill three first responders in Burnsville last year faces sentencing Wednesday.
Ashley Dyrdahl pleaded guilty in January to federal charges of purchasing guns for Shannon Gooden, who was ineligible to have firearms because of an assault conviction. Dyrdahl admitted to illegally purchasing five weapons in all, but prosecutors pledged to drop three of the straw purchasing counts. Dyrdahl, 36, also agreed to appear in public service announcements about straw purchasing.
Gooden used two of the guns that Dyrdahl purchased, both AR-style rifles, to kill officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth on Feb. 18, 2024.
Police had visited the home in response to a call alleging Gooden was sexually assaulting someone.
Dyrdahl's plea agreement calls for a 30 to 37 month prison sentence. But prosecutors are asking Judge Jerry Blackwell to go beyond that and send Dyrdahl to federal prison for 41 months.
Under the terms of her plea deal, Dyrdahl may appeal any prison term that’s longer than 37 months.
Though there was no mention of domestic violence in the plea agreement or at Dyrdahl’s January hearing, Minnesota court records show that in 2017, Dyrdahl had accused Gooden of abuse and asked a judge for a protection order. At least three women had filed for protection orders against Gooden.
If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation with a partner, there is a 24-hour statewide domestic and sexual violence hotline. You can call Minnesota Day One at (866) 223-1111 or text (612) 399-9995.
