RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from The Independent — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sourcesA parent dropping off a child at the daycare was who initially alerted police, according to officials
Bookmark Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks
A father killed his partner and their child inside a Minnesota home daycare before taking his own life, according to police.
Six other children who were inside the home at the time of the murders were not injured and have all been reunited with their parents, Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnson said during a press conference.
They were all "very, very young" children, Johnson said.
A parent arrived to drop a child off at Brown Bear Childcare when the attack is believed to have begun unfolding; they then alerted the police, according to Johnson.
“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 said at a news conference.
Johnson said he didn’t know what the relationship between the two adults who owned the daycare was, but did believe the child who died was theirs.
The police chief declined to release the victims’ identities and didn’t elaborate on how they died.
Records show the daycare has been licensed by the state since 2019 and has a capacity of 10 children. It was found to be in compliance during visits in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The home daycare was located in Hopkins, a small suburb about 10 miles southwest of Minneapolis.
Johnson said the scene was a “rarity” in Hopkins and that his officers were shaken by the killings after arriving at 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,” Johnson said.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey acknowledged at the start of his 2027 budget address Wednesday morning that a "critical incident" had occurred in Hopkins.
"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."
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.