Police Find Man And Girl Dead In Home

"ROCHESTER, MNA 49-year-old man is believed to have shot and killed a 9-year-old girl before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder/suicide in Rochester, Minn., on Sunday, police said.

"Officers discovered the bodies after receiving reports at 4:02 p.m. of shooting victims inside a home on 4553 5th Street NW.

"Authorities said that the general public was not at risk.

"`The incident is believed to have been entirely contained within the residence,` police said in a statement.

"Police did not provide details Sunday night about the relationship between the man and the girl.

"The investigation was continuing."

From StarTribune.com...

Elderly Couple Found Dead In Nursing Home

"WORTHINGTON, MN — The Worthington Police Department is investigating a murder/suicide that occurred Friday evening at the Crossroads Care Center on 965 McMillan Street in Worthington.

"According to Police Chief Mike Cumiskey, officers responded at 9:55 p.m. to a report of gunshots fired in a private room at the facility. They found 87-year-old George Doust sitting on a bed with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. In an adjacent bed was Crossroads Care Center resident Doris Doust, also with a gunshot wound to the head. A handgun was recovered in the room.

"Officers, Nobles County Deputies and Sanford Ambulance personnel performed first aid on both of the Dousts. They were transported to Sanford Worthington Regional Medical Center, then transferred to Sioux Falls, where they were pronounced dead. Family has been notified."

From kwoa.com...

Couple Who Shot Deputy Found Dead

"ALEXANDRIA, MN — The Ramsey County Medical Examiner has identified the North Dakota man and woman found dead in the snow after a Douglas County sheriff's deputy was shot while responding to a suspicious vehicle report.

"Katie Ray Christopherson, 29, and Devin Blowers, 24, both died of gunshot wounds. Both were from Fargo, ND.

"Police found the bodies of the two near an outlying property about four hours after a Douglas County deputy was shot while responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle at 3140 50th Street in Hudson Township, Minn.

"The deputy was also identified Wednesday as Dustin Alexander, a 3-year veteran of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and a member of the SWAT team.

"The medical examiner listed Christopherson's cause of death as homicide by gunshot wound, but Blowers is believed to have fatally shot himself. A handgun and shotgun were found near the bodies."

From KMSP-TV...

Death In The Friend Zone

"PINE ISLAND, MN — Two college freshmen from Minnesota were found fatally shot inside a Pine Island home Monday in an apparent murder/suicide, according to police.

"Olmsted County Sheriff's deputies responded to a home on 6948 100th Street North at around 4pm after getting a call from one of the victims' relatives.

"When officers entered a heated shed on the property, they came upon the body of 18-year-old Kayla Jill Koranda. Lying nearby they found Nicholas Roecker, 19, who was clinging to life.

"Roecker was rushed to Mayo Clinic Hospitals, where he died a short time later, according to officials.
Olmsted County Sheriff David Mueller told the Minneapolis Star Tribune a handgun used in the suspected murder/suicide was recovered at the scene.

"The 19-year-old victim, who lived at the house with his family, attended the University of Minnesota- Duluth, while Koranda was a student at the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis.

"Sheriff Mueller told MailOnline over the phone Tuesday that it appears the victims were just friends and not a couple.

"According to a statement from the sheriff’s office released to MailOnline this afternoon, the two deceased were classmates at Lourdes High School—a Catholic institution in Rochester. Koranda and Roecker were also Facebook friends."

From miaminewsday.com...

Couple Had No History Of Domestic Troubles

"ROSEMOUNT, MN — The shooting that left a Rosemount couple dead this week has been ruled a murder/suicide, police said Thursday.

"Police found Steven Vasey Jr., 32, and his wife, Melissa Vasey, 31, dead in their Waterford Commons apartment, at South Robert Trail and 146th Street, about 5:48 p.m. Tuesday. Officers were called there to check on the couple's welfare.

"Preliminary results from the Hennepin County medical examiner's office show Melissa Vasey shot her husband `multiple` times before turning the gun on herself, Rosemount Police Chief Eric Werner said.

"`We have a very unfortunate and tragic incident involving a married couple,` Werner said.

"There are no indications of a struggle between the couple, Werner said.

"`Details are not fully known what may have happened,` he said.

"`We believe the shooting happened shortly before we were notified,` Werner said.

"Police records indicate no prior calls to the residence, Werner added. The couple married in April 2004 in Chisago County, state records show. They had no children."

From twincities.com...

Father-Son Fight Turns Deadly

"BROOKLYN CENTER, MN — Authorities say a father and son in Brooklyn Center are dead after a fight escalated in what appears to be a murder/suicide.

"Police responded to the 1300 block of 72nd Avenue North at about 1 a.m. Monday after a report of a domestic dispute at a residence.

"When authorities arrived, a father and son had gotten into a fight and gunshots were heard before police arrived. Authorities learned upon arrival that the son had shot and killed his father in the residence before going in the downstairs of the home and taking his own life.

"Police said the son’s mother was also shot in the arm, but she is expected to survive. Police say she was previously married to the older victim.

"Authorities said there were no previous issues at the home where the incident happened.

"The names and ages of the victims have not been released.

"Police say there is no danger to the public and the incident is still under investigation."

From WCCO...

Apartment Building Evacuated After Shots Fired

"EDEN PRAIRIE, MN — Two people were killed in a shooting at an Eden Prairie apartment building Saturday morning.

"Eden Prairie Police had a SWAT team surrounding a building at the Eden Place apartment complex on the 8600 block of Magnolia Trail after they received a call of shots fired inside one of the units just after 7 a.m.

"Police say they went door-to-door and evacuated some residents after they were unable to make contact with the occupants of the unit.

"According to authorities, when they entered the apartment unit, they found the body of an adult female.

"For safety reasons, police say they used robotic devices to investigate the rest of the unit. That's when they found the body of an adult male. Authorities say they found weapons in the unit.

"According to police, they are not seeking any suspects in the case and there is no related threat to the public. Residents have been allowed to re-enter the building."

From KARE11.com...

Meeting May Have Been Deadly Ruse

"ROSEVILLE, MN — A Roseville man’s belief that his wife was having an affair with her co-worker may have been the reason he shot and killed the man and then himself outside her workplace, authorities said Friday.

"Roseville police responded to a report of a shooting with two men down at 4:15 p.m. Thursday near the loading dock area of CPI Card Group, a plastic card printer located at 1975 W. County Road B2, a few blocks from the Rosedale Shopping Center.

"Police say Cheng Vang, 44, and his wife, Yong Vang, 37, both from Roseville, traveled to the business, where she works, to meet with her co-worker Joseph Yang, 33, of Brooklyn Park. Once there, Cheng Vang shot Yang multiple times with a semi-automatic pistol before turning the pistol on himself, police said. Yong Vang, who witnessed the shootings, went to the aid of her husband before police arrived.

"The details of the meeting are under investigation, but authorities said in a news release they believe it was prearranged. Yang had a pen and paper documents when he was killed. Near Cheng Vang’s body, investigators found the pistol, which police determined he purchased legally in May.

"`Preliminary investigative interviews indicate Cheng Vang may have believed Joseph Yang and his wife may have been involved in an extramarital affair,` Lt. Lorne Rosand, spokesman for Roseville police, said in a release. Thursday’s `meeting may have only been a ruse to lure Yang to a familiar location. Police speculate that once at CPI Card Group, Vang may have requested Yang to sign documents as a distraction in order to murder him.`

"Autopsies determined that Cheng Vang died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and Yang from multiple gunshot wounds.

"Yong Vang was not injured during the shooting and has been cooperative with police. She is not believed to be an accomplice. The investigation is ongoing."

From StarTribune.com...

One Man Dead, One On Life Support After Shooting

"NEW YORK MILLS, MN — One man is dead and another in critical condition after a shooting near News York Mills on Wednesday night, the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office said.

"According to a written report released by the sheriff’s office:

"Authorities received a call about 9:10 p.m. Wednesday from a 21-year-old woman who reported gunshots in the 57000 block of Highway 56.

"Deputies found two men with gunshot wounds, a 20-year-old who was dead at the scene and a 23-year-old who was unconscious.

"The wounded man was taken to a hospital in Wadena, Minn., and later transferred to a hospital in St. Cloud, Minn., where he is in critical condition and on life-support.

"Witnesses told investigators the 23-year-old shot the 20-year-old and then shot himself.

"The identities of the people involved have not been released."

Source: Duluth News Tribune...

"Medical Emergency" Turns Out To Be Murder/Suicide

"ST PETER, MN — Officials with the St. Peter Police Department have confirmed the identities of a man and a woman killed Monday evening in an apparent murder/suicide.

"The medical examiner has identified the woman as Jacquelyn Marie Johnson, 48, of St. Peter. The man was identified as Joel Bruce Reineke, 53, of Kasota.

"On Monday at about 5:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to 601 S. Front St. in St. Peter for an unknown medical emergency, responding to a call made by a family member, according St. Peter Police Chief Matthew Peters.

"When police arrived, they discovered the bodies of Johnson and Reineke. It was apparent that the two had died from violent trauma, police said.

"A preliminary investigation into the deaths indicates that Johnson was shot by the Reineke before he turned the shotgun on himself, police said in a statement. Preliminary autopsy results confirm the deaths to have been a murder/suicide."

Source: St. Peter Herald...

SWAT Officers Find Bodies Of Couple

"CLEAR LAKE, MN — The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a husband and wife were found dead in a home near Becker.

"According to Sheriff Joel Brott, just before 1:30 p.m. Friday a call came into dispatchers from a woman claiming her friend was suicidal and had shot his wife.

"Officers responded to the home in the 12300 block of 77th St. in Clear Lake Township and made contact with the suspect, 47-year old Christopher Norrbom, of Clear Lake, by telephone.

"Law enforcement then started negotiations with Christopher Norrbom.

"Swat officers were able to gain entry into an attached garage, where they discovered the body of 46-year old Janell Norrbom, also of Clear Lake.

"Authorities were able to enter the home around 6:45 p.m., and discovered the body of Christopher Norrbom.

"Brott says they are not seeking any suspects and the community is safe."

From kaaltv.com...

Moving Day Leaves Two Dead, Two Injured

"ST PAUL, MN — The shooting in Shoreview that left two dead and two injured, one critically, is being investigated as a murder-suicide.

"Ramsey County sheriff's deputies found attorney Nancy Sullivan, 57, and her boyfriend, Johnny Lee Simpson, 65, dead in the Shoreview home Sullivan was reportedly trying to move out of Tuesday morning.

"Movers were at the home in the 5900 block of Grotto Street when, investigators say suspect, Simpson shot Sullivan and then himself, according to the Ramsey County sheriff's office.

"A handgun was recovered at the scene.

"Kathleen Fay, 29, who is Sullivan's daughter, and Tony Brown, 28, were wounded in the shooting and taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

"Fay remained in critical condition Wednesday. A hospital spokeswoman said she had no information to release on Brown, the father of Fay's daughter.

"The shooting surprised neighbors in the quiet, suburban neighborhood, who said the couple seemed friendly.

"Of three calls to law enforcement placed from the residence in the past five years, none was related to domestic violence, said Randy Gustafson, spokesman for the sheriff's office."

From twincities.com...

Deaths May Be Result Of Neurological Disorder

"BAGLEY, MN — Jack Gerbracht shot and killed his mother, Darlene Gerbracht, on Monday before turning the gun on himself and committing suicide, Gerbracht’s stepson, Ben Vorderbruggen, said Wednesday.

"Police have not yet released the names of the two people found dead at 406 Getchell Ave., but Vorderbruggen said it was his stepfather, Jack Gerbracht, and Gerbracht’s mother, Darlene Gerbracht, who were found dead there.

"Vorderbruggen said Jack Gerbracht, 41, suffered from Pick’s Disease, a neurological disorder, and that the disease caused his personality to `take a 180-degree turn.`

"`We’re just floored by this,` he said. `I understand that he did do this, but that wasn't the man I know.`

"Vorderbruggen learned of the tragic circumstances as he was driving to Bagley from his home in North Dakota.

"`She was really caring,` he said of Darlene Gerbracht, who lived less than two blocks from the home Jack Gerbracht shared with his wife, Sara, and their two daughters.

"Vorderbruggen regrets that Darlene Gerbracht did not have the chance to meet his newborn child.

"He said little is known about Pick’s Disease. Jack Gerbracht’s brother and father both died from it.

"`It’s a very progressive disease that affects impulse control,` Vorderbruggen said. `I don’t want people to remember Jack as a murder/suicide. He was a very caring and gentle person. Violence was one one-millionth of his personality.`"

From WDAZ...

Neighbor Finds Bodies Of Mom, Kids

"ZIMMERMAN, MN — Two young siblings found dead in their home were drowned and their mother likely committed suicide, sheriff's officials in eastern Minnesota said Tuesday.

"The Sherburne County Sheriff's Department said autopsies showed Josephine Shields, 7, and her brother, Nolan, 6, were drowned and that their deaths have been ruled homicides.

"The body of their mother, Stephanie Shields, 35, was found Sunday along with her children in the family's home in Zimmerman, sheriff's officials said. The mother's death has been ruled a probable suicide, pending toxicology tests, according to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office, which conducted the autopsies.

"A neighbor of the Shields family called 911 after discovering the bodies in their home about 10 a.m. Sunday, the sheriff's department said.

"Shields' husband and the children's father, Mark Shields, moved out of the family's home last week, said Sheriff Joel Brott. Mark Shields was a sergeant first class in the Minnesota National Guard, according to a statement the military released Monday.

"The children attended Zimmerman Elementary School where grief counselors were made available to students returning from spring break Tuesday.

"Zimmerman, a city of about 5,000 people, is about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis."

From CrookstonTimes.com...

Deadly Reaction To Eviction Notice

"RAMSEY, MN — A Ramsey husband and wife found dead in their home Tuesday, Feb. 12, in an apparent murder-suicide reportedly received an eviction notice the day before.

"Police found the bodies of Mitchell Wolfe Fine and Caron Margaret Fine just after 10:30 p.m. after their adult daughter requested a welfare check at their house in the 8500 block of 176th Lane Northwest, according to Cmdr. Paul Sommer, spokesman for the Anoka County sheriff's office.

"She had received a troubling email from her father indicating the two were being evicted and planned to kill themselves, Sommer said.

"The 67-year-old woman and 65-year-old man reportedly had health problems that prevented them from working. They were renting the Ramsey house and living there alone, Sommer said.

"Their bodies were found in a bedroom with gunshot wounds to their heads. Nine cats were also found dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

"Evidence suggests Caron Fine died first, Sommer said. He said there was no sign of a struggle.

"Both a .25-caliber handgun and a .22-caliber bolt-action rifle were found in the house.

"Investigators believe Mitchell Fine used the rifle to kill the cats and the handgun to kill himself and his wife. It is not known if the man had a permit, Sommer said."

From twincities.com...

UPDATE:

05/31/2012 — Murder/suicide cats looking for homes...

Two Hour Standoff Ends In Killer's Suicide

"PINE CITY, MN — A standoff in east central Minnesota ended early Thursday with a man dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and his ex-wife hospitalized after being shot.

"Authorities identified the man as 55-year-old Daniel Shilts and the woman as 55-year-old Dawn Christen.

"Pine County authorities say Shilts forced his way into Christen's home on Sunny Hill Road in rural Pine County around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday night. When she entered the home, Shilts confronted her and shot her in the chest. Christen was able to flee to the bathroom and send a text message to someone stating she had been shot by her ex-husband, and he was still in the home.

"The person who received the text message from Christen called 911, and authorities responded to the home. Deputies from Pine and Chisago Counties arrived on the scene and established a perimeter around the house. Numerous attempts were made to contact Christen by phone and text with no response.

"A Pine County Sheriffs Supervisor was able to make contact with Shilts, who exited the house and was standing on the front deck. He refused to comply with verbal commands to move away from the house, and eventually reentered the home and turned off all the lights.

"Chief Deputy Steven Blackwell says members of the Pine County SWAT Team eventually entered the house and located Christen, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to her upper chest. She was removed from the house and rushed to a Duluth hospital, where she is in serious condition.

"Shilts was cornered in the living room by officers where he threatened suicide while holding a pistol to his head.

"Over the next two hours officers of the Pine and Chisago County SWAT Teams attempted to convince Shilts to surrender but their attempts were unsuccessful. Shilts eventually shot himself in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Authorities say there were no active restraining or protection orders against Shilts."

From KARE11.com...

Woman Grabs Rifle, Escapes Attempted Murder/Suicide

"RED LAKE FALLS, MN — A Red Lake Falls woman is lucky to be alive, after her ex-boyfriend shot at her and then, took his own life.

"Dead is 53-year old Kevin Salveson.

"Sheriff Mitch Bernstein says it happened at Heather Altendorf's Red Lake Falls home Saturday afternoon.

"Altendorf had filed a restraining order against Salveson last week. The restraining order says Altendorf had broken up with Salveson two years ago. But she began having trouble with him, when he moved back to town a month ago.

"Altendorf says Salveson had been smearing her on social media sites and even handing out flyers around town that featured sexually explicit material.

"It all ended when Salveson walked into her home Saturday with a rifle.

"Sheriff Mitch Bernstein: `Walked in the door and made reference that he was going to die and she was going with him. He assaulted her with the gun and attempted to shoot her. She was able to grab the muzzle of the firearm and redirect it. He shot one round through her floor. She was able to get away and get over to the neighbors house.`

"Bernstein says then, Salveson took his own life. Altendorf had to be hospitalized overnight after being hit in the face with the gun butt, during the struggle."

From valleynewslive.com...

Two Dead In Strip Mall Shooting

"COTTAGE GROVE, MN — Two are dead in what police are calling a murder-suicide at a Cottage Grove strip mall on Thursday afternoon.

"Cottage Grove police were called to the mall on the 7700 block of Harkness Avenue South just after 3:30 p.m. for a report of multiple shots fired.

"When they arrived, they found the body of a woman inside of the Jimmy John's restaurant. A man suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. He was transported to Regions Hospital where he later died.

"Crews set up a perimeter around the mall. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting Cottage Grove Police at the scene.

"Jimmy John's employees who were working at the time [said] the woman was fatally shot inside the store. The witnesses said the man starting shooting while outside the building before walking into Jimmy John's and shooting the woman multiple times.

"The man, then, shot himself, witness said.

"Jimmy John's employees say they hid in the refrigerator during the shooting.

"Police said witnesses reported seeing a man chasing a woman in the strip mall parking lot. Police originally said it was unclear if the woman was shot inside or outside of the restaurant where her body was found.

"Security cameras from a neighboring Anytime Fitness caught what happened outside Jimmy John's on tape. A spokesperson for Anytime Fitness [said] the surveillance video shows the man waiting outside the gym. The tape shows the man chasing and shooting at the woman, before she ran into Jimmy John's.

"The relationship between the two people involved is still unknown at this time. Their names have not been released.

"No other injuries have been reported."

From KARE11.com...

UPDATE

10/26/2012 — Couples' relationship had "gone sour"...

Botched Murder/Suicide Leaves One Dead, One Hurt

"BERTHA, MN — The Todd County Sheriff’s Office reported early Saturday morning that a shooting the evening of Oct. 19 in Bertha has resulted in one injured and another dead.

"The sheriff’s office received a call concerning a shooting in the city of Bertha just after 7 p.m. Oct. 19.

"When officers arrived on the scene on 312 2nd Street NW, they found what appeared to be an attempted murder and suicide. The sheriff’s office said a man, who identity is being held at this time, appeared to have shot his significant other, then shot and killed himself.

"The significant other, whose identity is also being held at this time pending further investigation into the case, was transported to the Tri-County Hospital in Wadena by Bertha Ambulance and was then airlifted to the Hennepin County Medical Center to be treated for injuries sustained in the incident.

"The sheriff’s office said the incident is still under investigation by the sheriff’s office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The Eagle Bend Police Department assisted at the scene.

"The sheriff’s office said the names of the deceased suspect and significant other would be released Oct. 22."

Source: Long Prairie Leader...

7 Shot, 5 Dead In Workplace Murder/Suicide

"MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A gunman opened fire inside a Minneapolis sign company on Thursday, killing five people including himself and wounding four others, police said.

"Minneapolis Police spokesman Steve McCarty said five people were dead at Accent Signage Systems, including the gunman. Three others were in critical condition at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis and a forth had non-life threatening injuries, he said.

"He declined to identify those killed or wounded, and said he did not know what connection the shooter may have had with the business, if any.

"A representative from Accent Signage Systems could not be reached for comment. A July article in a local business publication said the company had 28 employees.

"Police cordoned off the area around the company and held residents back."

From the Vancouver Sun...

UPDATE:

10/06/2012 — Gunman said "oh really," then started shooting...