In a heartbreaking event that has left the Minnesota community in shock, authorities have reported that a man, who had posted anti-Trump and left-wing statements online, fatally shot his wife, ex-partner, and two sons before taking his own life.
Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa confirmed that the shooter, 46-year-old Anthony Nephew, had been struggling with mental health issues for some time.
The bodies of five individuals were discovered on Thursday afternoon across two homes in Duluth.
Authorities first found the bodies of Nephew’s ex-partner, 47-year-old Erin Abramson, and their 15-year-old son, Jacob Nephew, inside their residence. Both had apparent gunshot wounds.
After identifying Nephew as a suspect, police later located his current wife, 45-year-old Kathryn Nephew, and their 7-year-old son, Oliver Nephew, in a nearby home. Both had also been fatally shot.
Nephew was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the same location, according to police.
Before the tragedy, Nephew had used his Facebook account to express political and personal grievances, often criticizing President Donald Trump. In one post from July, he shared his struggles with mental health, stating, “My mental health and the world can no longer peacefully coexist, and a lot of the reason is religion. I am terrified of religious zealots inflicting their misguided beliefs on me and my family.”
Nephew’s social media activity also revealed concerns about religious extremism and political issues. He expressed fear that he or his family were being seen as symbols of evil, writing, “Having people actually believe that I or my child are Satan or, the anti-Christ or whatever their favorite color of boogie man they are afraid of this week.”