The woman who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday, January 7, has been identified as 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, according to her mother. The fatal incident occurred only a few blocks from where Good lived in the Twin Cities. Family members were informed of her death later that Wednesday morning.
A woman who answered the door at Good’s residence declined to provide comment as the neighborhood continued to process the tragedy.
Family Describes a Compassionate and Gentle Person
Good’s mother, Donna Ganger, told the Minnesota Star Tribune that her daughter lived in the Twin Cities with her partner. After learning details surrounding the incident, Ganger expressed disbelief and sorrow, saying the situation made no sense and that her daughter was likely frightened in her final moments.
She emphasized that Renee Good had no involvement in protests or confrontations with ICE agents, strongly rejecting suggestions that her daughter posed any threat. Ganger described Renee as exceptionally kind and deeply compassionate, someone who spent her life caring for others.
“She was loving, forgiving, and affectionate,” Ganger said. “She was truly an amazing human being.”
Personal Life, Creativity, and Online Presence
An Instagram account believed to belong to Good portrays her as a poet, writer, wife, and mother, originally from Colorado and living in Minneapolis. Friends and acquaintances echoed these descriptions online, sharing memories of her warmth and generosity.
Megan Kocher, who met Good and her wife only weeks earlier, recalled being welcomed into their home with tea and cookies while discussing school-related topics. She described Good as a devoted and loving mother, calling the loss heartbreaking and beyond comprehension.
Surviving Child and Family Impact
Good was previously married to Timmy Ray Macklin Jr., who passed away in 2023 at age 36. Together, they had a child who is now 6 years old. Macklin’s father, Timmy Ray Macklin Sr., said he was stunned by the news and deeply concerned about his grandchild’s future.
“There’s nobody else in his life,” he said, adding that he is willing to travel immediately to care for the child.
Academic Achievements and Creative Legacy
While studying creative writing at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Good earned the university’s undergraduate poetry prize in 2020 for her work titled “On Learning to Dissect Fetal Pigs.”
A mini biography on the English Department’s Facebook page, where she was known as Renee Macklin, noted that she was originally from Colorado Springs and co-hosted a podcast with her husband. Outside of writing, she enjoyed movie marathons and creating expressive, messy art.
Community Vigil and Public Response
At an evening vigil held near her home, speakers shared limited personal details but firmly honored Good as a peaceful neighbor who acted out of care for others. Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR-MN, stated that Good lost her life because of her love for her community.
Another speaker, identifying himself only as Noah, rejected claims made by Homeland Security officials labeling Good a domestic terrorist. He said she was present on Portland Avenue simply as an observer.
As mourners walked through the neighborhood, hundreds of people chanted Renee Good’s name, creating a powerful and emotional tribute.
Neighbors Remember a Loving Family
Local resident Mary Radford, 27, said she returned home from work around 7 p.m. and found the streets crowded with people gathering to mourn. Radford lived next door to Good and often saw her with her young son while walking her Australian shepherd, Hazelnut.
She described the family as warm and joyful, noting that the child loved playing with her dog and that the family spent a lot of time outdoors. Though the Goods had moved in recently, Radford said they shared meaningful conversations.
“We’re going to miss seeing them forever,” she said tearfully. “It’s heartbreaking to think about what that child and family are going through.”
