Two Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide Near Detroit Lakes

Authorities say a 45-year-old man killed his 3-year-old son before taking his own life.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:22am

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The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled the deaths of a 45-year-old man and his 3-year-old son near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota as a murder-suicide. Authorities say the man, identified as Gene Bartnes, fatally shot his son Koltyn before taking his own life.

Why it matters

Tragic incidents of domestic violence and child homicide are deeply disturbing and raise urgent questions about mental health resources, family support systems, and community prevention efforts to protect vulnerable populations.

The details

According to investigators, Gene Bartnes' brother went to check on him after he failed to show up for work. The brother found Bartnes dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the home, and sheriff's deputies then discovered the body of Bartnes' 3-year-old son Koltyn, who had also been fatally shot.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office released its findings on the cause of death on April 1, 2026.

The players

Gene Bartnes

A 45-year-old man who authorities say killed his 3-year-old son before taking his own life.

Koltyn Bartnes

The 3-year-old son of Gene Bartnes who was fatally shot by his father.

Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office

The office that conducted the autopsies and ruled the deaths a murder-suicide.

Becker County authorities

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident.

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The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the critical need for greater mental health support, domestic violence prevention, and community-based solutions to protect vulnerable children and families from harm.