Five Year Old Finds Bodies

"ROBBINSDALE, MN — The fatal shooting of two people in a Robbinsdale home last week was a case of murder-suicide with a man killing a woman and then himself, authorities said Monday.

"Authorities on Monday also released the identities of the two found dead in the home on Friday in the 3900 block of Xenia Avenue N.

"Jennifer M. Smith, 27, was shot numerous times shortly before 9:30 a.m. Friday, according to the Hennepin County medical examiner's office.

"Police identified the shooter as Ronald H. West, 73, of Brooklyn Park and explained that he and Smith had known each other for at least 10 years. The relationship wasn't necessarily `romantic or anything like that,` said Police Chief Steve Smith.

"The bodies were discovered in the home shortly before 9:30 a.m. Friday by the woman's 5-year-old son, who then went to a neighbor and said his mother was not moving, police said.

"`We're going to label this as a murder-suicide,` Chief Smith said. `[West] went over there with the intention of shooting and killing Ms. Smith" and then fatally shot himself.

"`Their relationship just recently wasn't the best,` Chief Smith added. `He confronted her over some issues they had.`

"A gun was recovered at the scene, the chief said.

"Jennifer Smith is survived by three children."

From StarTribune.com...