Apple Valley Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Role in Fatal Shootout That Claimed Life of Michelle McGill
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA—Willie John Selmon II, 41, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison for his involvement in a July 2022 shootout that left his former partner, Michelle McGill, dead. The sentencing, announced by Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena, followed Selmon’s guilty plea to one count of second-degree murder (drive-by shooting) in June 2024.
Despite the state’s recommendation of 261 months (21 years), Judge Timothy McManus opted for a reduced sentence, citing mitigating factors. Selmon's defense contested much of the evidence, arguing that his actions were in self-defense and pointing to inconsistencies in the prosecution's case.
Details of the Incident
On the evening of Sunday, July 10, 2022, Apple Valley police were called to McGill's residence in the 900 block of Oriole Drive following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival at 6:26 PM, officers found McGill, 49, in the driveway, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene, with 10 gunshot wounds to her torso, arms, and shoulder. McGill's body was lying next to a black Ford Edge, where officers found a black handgun, an extended magazine with unfired rounds, and a black cell phone.
Selmon and McGill’s son, Billy Joe Pryor Jr., 27, were both transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) for treatment of gunshot wounds. Selmon had been shot twice in the face, while Pryor sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the stomach. According to police, a search of the scene revealed three vehicles with shattered windows and bullet holes, including a Ford 500 sedan that contained a deceased pit bull in the front seat. Both men survived their injuries and were subsequently arrested.
The Shootout
According to court records, Selmon and McGill had recently ended their long-term relationship, but on the night of the incident, Selmon visited McGill’s home to retrieve his belongings. McGill and Pryor were both sitting in their vehicles when Selmon arrived. An argument escalated into violence when Pryor reportedly brandished a gun and began firing at Selmon, striking him twice in the face.
Selmon then exited his vehicle and sought cover near McGill’s car, where the shootout between the two men continued. Tragically, McGill was caught in the crossfire and suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Her autopsy confirmed she was struck 10 times during the exchange of gunfire.
Contested Evidence
The defense team questioned the prosecution's evidence during Selmon’s trial. They noted several inconsistencies in Selmon's account and the statements of witnesses, some of whom lived near the scene. According to defense filings, neighbors reported seeing Selmon fire shots at McGill and even threatening witnesses with a gun. However, the defense claimed these statements were "wildly inconsistent" and driven by bias against Selmon.
Officers found McGill with a handgun near or in her hand, raising questions about her role in the confrontation. Forensic evidence from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) confirmed the presence of blood on the gun and around the area where McGill’s body was found, along with multiple bullet casings and shattered windows on nearby vehicles.
Sentencing and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Selmon’s guilty plea to second-degree murder allowed for a reduced sentence of 120 months, despite the prosecution’s push for the full 261 months outlined in the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines. Judge McManus cited mitigating factors in his decision, though details of those factors were not disclosed in court.
The investigation was a joint effort by the Apple Valley Police Department and the Minnesota BCA, who meticulously documented the crime scene. Attorney Keena thanked law enforcement for their detailed work in gathering evidence.
Meanwhile, McGill’s son, Billy Pryor Jr., is also facing charges related to the fatal shootout. His trial is set to begin in March 2025, where the court will further examine his role in the tragic event.
Willie John Selmon II provided by the Dakota County Jail.
Written by: Will Wight
