Minnesota man killed his wife and child before dying by suicide, police say

Tragedy Strikes Hopkins Daycare: Father Kills Family Before Taking His Own Life

Wanderstayfinder.com – A devastating domestic incident unfolded on Wednesday morning at a family-run childcare center in the Minneapolis suburb of Hopkins, where a father killed his wife and their child before ending his own life. The attack occurred at Brown Bear Childcare, located on the 200 block of Tyler Avenue North, where police responded to reports of a stabbing around 9am.

When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered three bodies inside the home: two adults and a child. Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnson confirmed that the incident was domestic-related and that there were no outstanding suspects or ongoing threats to public safety. Preliminary investigation indicates the deceased man was responsible for the deaths of his wife and child before taking his own life.

A Witness to Horror

The attack was witnessed by another parent who had arrived to drop off her child at the daycare. This parent called police immediately after seeing the assault unfold. Chief Johnson spoke emotionally about the incident during a news conference, noting the profound impact such events have on families.

“There’s no worse scenario than this, where you drop off your child somewhere you think is safe, and you get that phone call,” Johnson told reporters. “I think we can all relate, [those] who have children and those who don’t. This is just a tragic situation anywhere in the world, let alone here in Hopkins.”

All six other children present at the daycare during the incident were safely evacuated and have since been reunited with their parents. None of the children were injured in the attack, according to police officials.

Community in Mourning

Hopkins Mayor Patrick Hanlon expressed the community’s collective grief, emphasizing the close-knit nature of their town. “There are no strangers in this community so … we are all reeling from this tragic incident,” Hanlon told reporters.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also reached out to offer support. “I know that our hearts and our prayers are with the people of Hopkins and any families that have been impacted,” Frey said. “I have already touched base directly with Mayor Hanlon, offered any assistance that we possibly can provide.”

Police and sheriff vehicles lined the quiet residential street where the daycare is situated. The brown, two-story house features a distinctive mural on its garage door depicting a tree-lined lake with a moose—a visual reminder of the peaceful setting now marked by tragedy.

A Trusted Daycare

Photos from the daycare’s Facebook page reveal a warm, colorful environment where children play with toys both indoors and in the backyard. Bright decorations and children’s artwork adorn the walls, creating a cheerful atmosphere for young visitors.

State records indicate that Brown Bear Childcare has held its license since 2019 and operates with a capacity of ten children. The facility received compliance during official visits in 2023, 2024, and 2025, demonstrating a consistent record of meeting regulatory standards.

Chief Johnson described the killings as a “rarity” in Hopkins, a community of approximately 19,000 residents. He noted that his officers were deeply affected by the scene they encountered inside the home.

“I could see on the look on their faces that this was one of those ones that you’ll remember for your entire career, if not life,” he said.

Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack. The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released, and Chief Johnson declined to provide specific details about the cause of death for each family member.

Support Resources Available

For those affected by this tragedy or experiencing emotional distress, several support services remain available. In the United States, individuals can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or access online chat services at 988lifeline.org. Those in the United Kingdom and Ireland may reach Samaritans on the freephone number 116 123. Australian residents can contact the crisis support service Lifeline at 13 11 14. Additional international helplines are accessible through befrienders.org.

The community of Hopkins now faces the difficult task of healing while honoring the memory of the family lost in this sudden and heartbreaking incident.