Stolen Sunisa Lee Bust Found Amid Gunfire Investigation

In St. Paul, Minnesota, a gunfire investigation on Friday morning resulted in the recovery of a stolen bronze bust of Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee. Police responded to a report of spent rifle casings found outside a home after 12:30 a.m., leading to the evacuation of the premises and subsequent search.

During the investigation, amidst recovered firearms and ammunition, officers discovered the 50-pound bronze sculpture of Sunisa Lee, a St. Paul native. This artwork had been reported missing since July 2025, when it was stolen from Phalen Regional Park.

Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Da'Shawn T. Caradine on suspicion of receiving stolen property. A rock inscribed with Ms. Lee's name, also stolen from the park, was later found submerged in the park's lake. Plans are currently being made to reinstall the bust at its original location.

Sunisa Lee, a celebrated Olympic gold medalist, is a prominent figure in the St. Paul community, particularly within its large Hmong population. The artist, Seexeng Lee, who is Ms. Lee's grand-nephew, created the piece to honor Hmong women.