Gunman Shoots Pair Through Window Before Shooting Himself

"EAGAN, MN - A gunman shot through the front window of an Eagan residence on Tuesday night, killing a husband and wife in their living room as their children slept before turning the gun on himself.

"Eagan police are calling the double murder-suicide one of the most brutal acts of violence in the city's history.

"Police were called to 1366 Berry Lane, near the intersection of Pilot Knob Road and Diffley Road, shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday. They found the bodies of Charles Hanson, 42, and Svetlana Hanson, 24. Svetlana Hanson's father was also in the living room at the time of the shooting but was not injured.

"The three children, who had been sleeping at the time, were also unharmed, according to Eagan police. They were identified by neighbors as Charles Hanson's 10-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter, and a nine-month-old boy the couple had in common.

"The gunman was found dead in the backyard.

"Police have not released his identity pending confirmation from the Dakota County Medical Examiner's office. They are not looking for additional suspects.

"Eagan police spokeswoman Danielle Anselment said previous calls to the home included a domestic assault in May 2009 and an order for protection violation in June 2010. Investigators did not clarify who the protection order was taken out against and who was involved in the domestic.

"They said they have not established a motive for Tuesday's shootings."

From twincities.com...