Down By The River

"Hudson, WI - A shockwave went through the community Tuesday morning when lifelong Hudson residents Claire and Betty Lou Erickson were found dead in their home on Crest View Drive overlooking the St. Croix River. It appears to be a murder-suicide.

"Claire Erickson was the founder of the Erickson Oil/Freedom convenience store chain and both were Hudson High School graduates, Claire in 1943 and Betty Lou (Lohman) in 1944.

"Hudson Chief of Police Marty Jensen said there was no indication of an intruder at the home, 1003 Crest View Drive.

"`It appears to be a murder-suicide,` Jensen said. `A gun was used.` He would not confirm the identities of the victims Tuesday afternoon, but based on other sources there is little doubt that the Ericksons were the victims in the incident."

From RiverTowns...