I really don't see the point is pointing out mistakes from the past after he is already dead. Most news papers try and speak about the good qualities of people when yet pass...

I totally agree Kayle! I also believe that in death everyone deserves respect. It feels like the police and the grocery store want people to know what his colored past was like so they can just wash their hands clean.

I have a colored past as well but yet the free press put me, my son and Vanessa Lange on the front page of the paper this summer because of our random act of kindness. Everybody has a past, doesn't make them bad people. No offense Free Press but I don't feel like it was very respectful to write this article speaking of his past... Especially since there was articles written in the past about it. Rip Andy!

Here's the press release from the city of Mankato. The investigations that are ongoing are in no way an attempt to wash hands. Mankato Department of Public Safety police officers responded to the report of a person passed out in a grocery store entryway on 410 South Riverfront Drive at 4:40 a.m., January 1. When Andrew Derek Layton, 26-year-old North Mankato resident, was awakened he became combative and was transported to jail by ambulance.Upon arrival, it was determined Layton was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Layton began breathing again when lifesaving measures were conducted. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance for treatment.Layton died at the hospital on January 5. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's office have performed an autopsy; results are pending. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has agreed to conduct the death investigation. There is no further information to release by the Mankato Department of Public Safety.

Oh no! The newspaper is besmirching the reputation of a repeat offender. A reputation he earned not because the paper gave it to him but ... he did it! Look, we all are the sum of our deeds - good or bad. Am I supposed to feel sorry for this guy because he not only made bad choices but made them often? Sorry, no free pass in this world. Own up.

I never met Andy but reading the article makes me disgusted that the free press felt the need to slander him with a past that had nothing to do with the situation... and as for u jay put ur family in that situation, would u want that put out their in their time if grieving!!! the paper is wrong and so is the police force!! this possibly could have turned out in a better light if the police had taken different measures. my sympathy goes out to his family and friends. Jay u should be ashamed of urself!!!

Crystal, I'm amazed that your suspicions first go to the police and the paper but sympathy and complete trust for this repeat offender. Where have our society's morals gone! Cops are presumed bad, and criminals need forgiveness? Slander - which is a ci...See More

Thanks everyone for giving your two cents. The Free Press editors did discuss the need to mention his past. We eventually decided it was relevant and shed light possibly on why the police felt a need to take him to jail. Otherwise, it looks like they overstepped or could be interpreted that way.