MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Arrest Made After Body of Jontae Lee Found More Than Two Months After Brooklyn Park Disappearance

BROOKLYN PARK, MN (May 30, 2026) A months-long search for a missing Brooklyn Park man has ended in tragedy after authorities recovered the body of 27-year-old Jontae Brandon Lee from a drainage pond and arrested a suspect in connection with his death.

Brooklyn Park police announced Thursday that a 22-year-old man was taken into custody on probable cause murder after investigators identified Lee's body, which was discovered May 26 in a drainage pond near the 6900 block of Lakeland Avenue North. The suspect remained in custody as authorities prepared the case for formal charging review by prosecutors.

The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has gripped family members, friends, and community members since Lee disappeared on March 11.

According to Brooklyn Park police, officers were called shortly after midnight on March 11 to the area of 70th Avenue North and Maryland Avenue North on reports of a disturbance involving two men who knew each other. By the time officers arrived, Lee had left the scene on foot. Police initially searched the area but were unable to locate him. When he failed to return home later that day, investigators opened a missing-person case.

What followed was an extensive search effort that stretched for more than 11 weeks.

Detectives conducted repeated ground searches, deployed drones, utilized canine teams, reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses, interviewed witnesses, and obtained search warrants for cellphone, social media, and electronic records in an effort to determine what happened to Lee after he disappeared. Authorities also received assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and civilian search-and-rescue resources as the investigation expanded.

The breakthrough came on May 26.

Investigators working with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension located Lee's body partially submerged among reeds in a drainage pond near Lakeland Avenue North. Authorities said specialized search resources were used during the operation that ultimately led to the discovery. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner later confirmed the victim's identity as Jontae Lee.

Two days later, detectives arrested the man who had been involved in the March 11 incident with Lee. Authorities have identified the suspect as 22-year-old Johnny Robinson. He was booked into custody on probable cause murder while investigators continue to assemble evidence for prosecutors.

Police have not yet publicly released Lee's cause of death, nor have investigators disclosed what evidence specifically led them to conclude that the death was a homicide. Formal criminal charges had not been announced as of Friday, and investigators have continued to withhold many details as the case remains active.

Throughout the spring, Lee's disappearance drew increasing public attention as family members repeatedly called for answers and organized efforts to keep his case visible. Loved ones held a vigil in March, coinciding with Lee's birthday, and community members shared appeals across social media platforms in hopes of generating information that might aid investigators.

A fundraising campaign established by family members described Lee as a bright, loving, and intelligent young man whose absence left an enormous void in the lives of those who knew him. As the search continued through March, April, and May, relatives repeatedly expressed frustration and heartbreak over the lack of answers regarding his whereabouts.

Following Thursday's arrest, the Brooklyn Park Police Department issued a statement emphasizing the scope of the investigation and expressing sympathy for Lee's family.

"The Brooklyn Park Police Department worked tirelessly on this case to locate Jontae Lee and to ensure that the person responsible for his death is held accountable," the department said. "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Jontae during their time of loss and sorrow."

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have asked anyone with information related to Lee's disappearance or death to contact the Brooklyn Park Police Department.

The case now moves into its next phase as prosecutors review evidence gathered over nearly three months of investigative work and determine what formal charges, if any, will be filed against the suspect.

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