Five dead, including two children, in ‘tragic’ murder-suicide case in Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. (TNND) — This story mentions suicide. If you are at risk of suicide, stop here and contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support.

A tragic domestic incident in Minnesota left five people dead in a murder-suicide.

The welfare check conducted at two Duluth homes uncovered the bodies of four victims, including two juveniles, ages 15 and 7, Thursday.

Duluth police conducted a welfare check at a home on Tacony Street after the city of Superior asked them to check on one of their employees.

“The welfare check was initiated because a City of Superior employee was concerned about another employee not showing up for work, and that was out of character for them,” Duluth Police Chief Michael Ceynowa said during Friday’s press conference.

Inside the home were 47-year-old Erin Abramson and her son, 15-year-old Jacob Nephew. Police say the two died of gunshot wounds.

The “reporting subject” told investigators about a person of interest, 46-year-old Anthony Nephew.

Police set up surveillance on Nephew’s home on West 6th Street.

A short time later, investigators discovered that Nephew was married to Kathryn Nephew and that they both lived in the house with their son Oliver.

A drone was sent in to search for the suspect.

Inside, Nephew’s wife and his 7-year-old son were dead from gunshot wounds.

Cousin was also found dead. Police say Nephe died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Ceynowa said Nephew and Abramson had a previous relationship and shared a child.

According to the police chief, it was known that cousin had psychological problems.

Ceynowa said he and the department sent their thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims and loved ones involved in the “tragic event.”