Jesse Merkel remembers his son, Fletcher, killed at the Minneapolis shooting

By Jason DeRose,

Leila Fadel

Published August 29, 2025 at 4:04 AM EDT

Relatives and friends remember the two children who died in the Minnesota church shooting at a vigil on Thursday evening.

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NPR

Jason DeRose

Jason DeRose is the Western Bureau Chief for NPR News, based at NPR West in Culver City. He edits news coverage from Member station reporters and freelancers in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska and Hawaii. DeRose also edits coverage of religion and LGBTQ issues for the National Desk.

See stories by Jason DeRose

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a national correspondent for NPR based in Los Angeles, covering issues of culture, diversity, and race.

See stories by Leila Fadel

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