Girlfriend of man who killed 3 Burnsville first responders to plead guilty to weapons charges
MINNEAPOLIS — The woman federally charged with purchasing guns for her boyfriend used in the fatal shooting of three Burnsville first responders will plead guilty.
Ashley Dyrdahl was indicted back in March for allegedly buying the weapons used in the fatal shooting of Burnsville police officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand and firefighter EMT Adam Finseth in February. She originally pleaded not guilty to the 11 counts brought against her.
Investigators say Ashley Dyrdhal bought the guns her boyfriend, Shannon Gooden, used in that fatal ambush.
The indictment alleges Dyrdahl bought five guns for Gooden between September 2023 and January 2024, including two AR-15-style weapons used during the standoff. Authorities were answering a domestic assault call on Feb. 18 when Gooden opened fire.
Noemi Torres, Gooden's ex-partner, believes Dyrdhal must face the consequences of her actions because it changed many lives, including her three children who were inside the home when their father opened fire.
"It's good she's taking accountability for it," Torres said. "It was his actions, not Dyrdahl's. It's unfortunate she felt like the only way of pleasing him is to buy him those guns."
In a press conference held back at the time of the indictment, U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger accused Dyrdahl of "placing powerful weapons in the hands of a violent, convicted felon."
"He could not purchase firearms because he was a convicted felon. So instead, he would pick out specific weapons and she would buy them in violation of federal law," Luger said.
Gov. Tim Walz signed into a law tougher penalties for straw gun purchases. The law went into effect Aug. 1.
WCCO has learned that Dyrdahl intends to change her plea in court on Dec. 18.
