Shooting Leaves Father and Young Son Dead in Detroit Lakes

Authorities believe the incident was a murder-suicide based on a suicide note left by the father.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:36am

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Family members have identified the two people found dead in a shooting in the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota as 35-year-old Gene Bartnes and his 3-year-old son, Koltyn. The Becker County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to the home on Monday afternoon after a family member went to check on Bartnes when he did not show up for work. Investigators believe the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, with Bartnes leaving a suicide note.

Why it matters

Tragic incidents of domestic violence and murder-suicides involving children are deeply disturbing and raise concerns about mental health resources, family support systems, and the need for greater awareness and prevention efforts in local communities.

The details

According to the Becker County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the home just after noon on Monday after a family member went to check on Bartnes when he did not show up for work. Investigators said the two were found dead inside the home on Monday afternoon. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Crime Lab is assisting with the ongoing investigation.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, April 1, 2026.
  • Deputies were called to the home just after noon on Monday.

The players

Gene Bartnes

A 35-year-old man who was found dead in his home along with his 3-year-old son.

Koltyn Bartnes

The 3-year-old son of Gene Bartnes who was also found dead in the home.

Kristi Frazier

The mother of Koltyn Bartnes, who identified the victims on Tuesday morning.

Becker County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is leading the investigation.

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

The state-level law enforcement agency that is assisting the Becker County Sheriff's Office with the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“I believe the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide and said Bartnes left a suicide note.”

— Kristi Frazier, Mother of Koltyn Bartnes

What’s next

The Becker County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will continue their investigation into the incident, including analyzing the suicide note left by Gene Bartnes.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the need for greater awareness, resources, and support systems to address domestic violence and mental health issues in local communities, in order to prevent such devastating outcomes involving innocent children.