5 people, including 2 children, dead in ‘tragic’ murder-suicide case in Minnesota

DULUTH, Min. (TNND) — Suicide is mentioned in this story. If you are at risk of suicide, please stop here and contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for support.

Five people are dead by murder and suicide in a tragic domestic incident in Minnesota.

A welfare check at two Duluth homes on Thursday turned up the bodies of four victims, including two children ages 15 and 7.

Duluth police conducted a welfare check at a home on Tacony Avenue 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 who was not showing up for work, and that was out of character for them,” Duluth Police Chief Michael Ceynowa said at Friday’s press conference.

Inside the house were 47-year-old Erin Abramson and her 15-year-old son, Jacob Nephew. Police said two people died from gunshot wounds.

The “reporter person” told investigators about a suspicious person, 46-year-old Anthony Nephew.

Police began surveillance at the nephew’s home on West 6th Street.

Shortly thereafter, investigators learned that Nephew was married to Kathryn Nephew and that they both lived at the home with their son, Oliver.

A drone was sent inside to search for the suspect.

Inside, his nephew’s wife and 7-year-old son were shot dead.

His nephew was also found dead. Police said his nephew died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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

According to the police chief, his nephew was known to have mental health issues.

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