Search warrant reveals police suspect man of strangling brother

Newly released Hennepin County court records indicate that the 7-year-old boy found unresponsive in an Eden Prairie home on Tuesday likely died from strangulation or suffocation.

These records, including a search warrant issued on Thursday and a criminal complaint filed on Friday, provide detailed information about the incident.

Dalal Bayle Idd, 27, of Eden Prairie, was charged with second-degree murder (without premeditation) for the death of his younger brother, Abdullahi Adod Gelle, in the criminal complaint filed on Friday. The incident occurred at their parents’ house in the 9900 block of Lee Drive.

On Tuesday, at about 10:10 p.m., Eden Prairie police dispatch received a 911 call. The caller, later identified as Idd, expressed confusion to the operator, saying, “I don’t know what I just did.” According to the criminal complaint, Idd mentioned he was experiencing mental health issues, had harmed someone, and believed his actions were “for the greater good.” He also stated, “God told me to do something to prove I’m not God.”

Arriving at the scene, officers found Idd outside with his hands raised, a gesture suggesting he wanted to surrender, as stated in the search warrant. He motioned for them to handcuff him by placing his hands behind his back.

When asked if anyone inside the residence was hurt, Idd said he wasn’t sure. Officers then inquired if he had attacked anyone, and he responded that he couldn’t remember.

He was taken to the hospital for a mental health evaluation. Idd’s sister told officers over the phone that he had been home with three children that night.

Inside the home, officers found two unharmed children sleeping on the top floor. In one bedroom, they discovered Gelle lying on a small bed, unresponsive and without a pulse. They noted his eyelids were partially open, his eyes were red, and there were small red spots (petechiae) around them.

Gelle was later pronounced dead at M Health Fairview Hospital in Edina.

In the search warrant, the filing officer noted that such hemorrhages typically suggest strangulation or suffocation. Based on the evidence and Idd’s statements, the officer determined there was probable cause to believe Idd killed Gelle before calling police.

An autopsy of Gelle revealed petechial hemorrhaging across his upper body, including his eyes, face, and back, according to the criminal complaint. The medical examiner found no life-threatening injuries or diseases but classified the case as pending further investigation. The examiner noted that petechial hemorrhaging often suggests strangulation, and all autopsy findings are consistent with this possibility.

While executing a follow-up search warrant at the residence on Sept. 13, detectives found multiple journals and notes detailing Idd’s struggles with substance abuse and mental health disorders. In one note, Idd wrote “stay sober” as the top thing he would do to promote his mental health. In another, he noted he takes Haldol for schizophrenia.

After being released from prison in November 2022 for first-degree assault and aggravated robbery committed in 2014, Idd has been under the supervision of the Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections.

Investigators sought a search warrant for Idd’s blood sample to check for controlled substances. This warrant is intended to determine if any substances influenced Idd during the Sept. 12 incident and whether he was taking his prescribed schizophrenia medication.

In 2015, a court linked Idd’s violent offenses in 2014 to substance use and potential mental illness. Idd was reportedly under the influence of methamphetamine during those 2014 assaults.

The Star Tribune reported that Idd is the brother of Dolal Idd, 23. Dolal Idd was shot and killed by police in December 2020 at a gas station in south Minneapolis during a sting operation. After reviewing the incident, the Dakota County Attorney’s Office stated that officers were justified in shooting Dolal Idd, as he had fired at them first after disregarding their orders

A GoFundMe page, established by Gelle’s cousin on Thursday afternoon, aims to raise $30,000 for funeral expenses and to support the family. By noon on Monday, the campaign had garnered about $28,000 in donations.

Gelle was a first grader enrolled at Eden Lake Elementary School.

The fundraiser described Gelle as “a sweet 7-year-old who lit up every room he walked into.” It further mentioned he was “loved by everyone who knew him,” possessed “a kind and gentle soul,” and was always keen on making others laugh. The boy also cherished family moments and playing Roblox with his siblings.

Idd has been in custody at the Hennepin County Jail since his arrest. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.