Shivangi Sinha
In January 2018, police in Rochester, Minnesota, responded to reports of gunfire and discovered 17-year-old Mohammed Rahim with a gunshot wound to the chest. Nearby, they found Alex Weiss holding a firearm and promptly arrested him. Rahim was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries. During questioning, Alex claimed he had acted in self-defense and was not the aggressor in the situation. The case and its timeline are explored in detail in the A&E episode of ‘Accused: Did I Do It?’ titled ‘Cold Blooded Killer or Terrified Shooter?’
Alex Weiss Was on His Way to a Basketball Game When He Shot a 17-Year-Old
Alexander “Alex” Weiss grew up in Rochester, Minnesota, where he lived with his family in a religious and close-knit household. He was actively involved in his community, participated in church activities, and volunteered at both the YMCA and his local church. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout. However, Alex faced several personal challenges throughout his life. As a child, he was diagnosed with asthma and ADHD, and in his teenage years, he received a fibromyalgia diagnosis. It is a chronic condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas, often affecting daily function and quality of life.
Despite these health setbacks, Alex maintained an active lifestyle. On January 14, 2018, he was on his way to Cannon Falls to referee a youth basketball game. He stated that he witnessed a Chevy Cavalier speeding and crashing into a storm drain. Concerned that the occupants might need help, he said he reversed his Subaru to the scene and got out to check on them. However, he alleged that as he did so, the Chevy backed into his vehicle. Three teenagers exited the car, two of whom were later identified as 17-year-olds Mohammed Rahim and Noah Dukart. Alex alleged that Rahim and Dukart began verbally confronting and berating him. Alex said he was frightened and returned to his car to retrieve his licensed Glock handgun. He claimed that Rahim got up close to him, spat in his face, and grabbed the barrel of the gun with his hands.
At that point, Alex said he fired the weapon. He didn’t fully comprehend what had just occurred and went into shock immediately after. When the police arrived at the scene, they arrested Alex and took him in for questioning. During his interrogation, he recounted his version of events and emphasized that he had not meant to harm anyone and had only acted in self-defense. Meanwhile, Dukart admitted to authorities that he had used Xanax and marijuana at some point that day. It led investigators to suspect that Rahim might have also been under the influence. Despite Alex’s claims of self-defense, he was formally charged with second-degree murder. However, he was released after 72 hours in custody on a conditional bond set at $75,000.
Alex Weiss’ Defense Team Claimed He Was Not the Aggressor
Alex Weiss’ first trial began in May 2019, with both the prosecution and defense presenting strong arguments. One of the most controversial pieces of evidence highlighted by the prosecution was a bumper sticker on Alex’s car that read, “Gun control means hitting your target.” They argued that this indicated a cavalier attitude toward firearms and suggested that he had shot Mohammed Rahim without sufficient provocation. The prosecution also introduced the testimony of a bystander who claimed to have witnessed the shooting. She stated that the incident happened very quickly and that she saw Alex draw a gun and fire.
However, the defense worked to challenge her credibility by pointing out discrepancies between her account and the physical evidence. Specifically, the location she described for the shooting did not match where the forensic evidence indicated it had taken place, leading the defense to argue that her memory of the events was unclear and unreliable. The prosecution also argued that since no DNA belonging to Rahim was found on the firearm, it was unlikely that he had touched it. However, the defense countered this by showing footage of the responding officer picking up the weapon with his bare hands. Even the officer’s DNA was not found on the gun, which suggested that the absence of DNA wasn’t definitive proof.
Alex Weiss is Working to Rebuild His Life Today
Alex Weiss took the stand in his own defense and gave his version of events. Despite the arguments on both sides, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict, leading the judge to declare a mistrial. A second trial began in October 2019. This time, Alex’s defense team presented new DNA evidence showing traces of Rahim’s saliva on the defendant’s jacket. This supported Alex’s account that Rahim had spat at him during the confrontation. Still, the second jury also failed to reach a verdict, resulting in another mistrial.
Just a month after the second mistrial, the prosecution announced that they would be dismissing the charges against Alex. They said that they could not ensure that a new trial would lead to a conviction. Following his arrest and trials, Alex faced intense public scrutiny. He claimed that he was targeted both online and in person and that the emotional and social toll of the incident has been long-lasting, especially since he was never formally acquitted. Since the dismissal, he has understandably kept a low profile. It is believed he continues to reside in Rochester, Minnesota, and is likely working toward obtaining his EMT license.
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