Dad shoots dead two sons, wife and ex-partner before killing himself in horror murder-suicide

Authorities say a man shot and killed two women and two children at separate Minnesota homes before killing himself

A Minnesota man shot and killed his wife and son, and his ex-partner and their son, before killing himself, authorities said Friday.

Duluth police have not determined a motive, but Police Chief Mike Ceynowa said at a news conference that the shooter, 46-year-old Anthony Nephew, had a “pattern of mental health issues.”

Officers were first called to a home just after 2pm on Thursday, police said.

There, they found Erin Abramson, 47, and Jacob Nephew, 15, dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Abramson and Anthony Nephew were previously involved in a relationship, Ceynowa said.

Later on Thursday, police identified Anthony Nephew as the suspect and surrounded his home.

When they entered, officers found the bodies of him, his 45-year-old wife Kathryn Nephew, and their 7-year-old son, Oliver Nephew.

Police said Anthony Nephew had killed the four victims before killing himself.

Police investigate the scene where five people were found shot to death inside two homes in Duluth (AP)

A statement on the Duluth Police Department’s Facebook page read:

“The Duluth Police Department is releasing the names of the individuals involved in the tragic event that shook our community.

“6000 block of Tacony Street: 47-year-old Duluth resident Erin Abramson and 15-year-old Duluth resident Jacob Nephew were located deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

“4400 block of West 6th Street: 45-year-old Duluth resident Kathryn Nephew (Ramsland), 7-year-old Duluth resident Oliver Nephew were located deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

“The suspect, 46-year-old Duluth resident Anthony Nephew, was also located deceased from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families, friends, and loved ones involved in this tragic event.”

Duluth, a city of nearly 90,000 residents, is roughly 135 miles (217 kilometers) north of Minneapolis.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.