5 dead including 2 children in 'tragic' Minnesota murder-suicide case

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A tragic domestic incident in Minnesota left five people dead in a murder-suicide.

The welfare check conducted at two homes in Duluth uncovered the bodies of four victims, including two juveniles ages 15 and 7 on Thursday.

Duluth police conducted a welfare check at a home alongTacony Street after the city of Superior requested them to check on one of their employees.

"The welfare check was initiated because of an employee with the city of Superior who was concerned about another employee who had not shown up for work, and that was outside of their character," said Duluth Police Chief Michael Ceynowa during Friday's news conference.

Inside the home was 47-year-old Erin Abramson and her son, 15-year-oldJacob Nephew. Police said the two died from gunshot wounds.

The "reporting person" told investigators about a person of interest, 46-year-oldAnthony Nephew.

Police set upsurveillance atNephew's home onWest 6th Street.

A short time later, investigators learnedNephew was married to Kathryn Nephew and they both lived in the home with their son, Oliver.

A drone was sent inside to look for the suspect.

Inside was Nephew's wife and his 7-year-oldson dead with gunshot wounds.

Nephew was also found dead. Police saidNephew died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Ceynowa saidNephew andAbramson were in a previous relationship and shared a child.

Nephew was known to have had mental health issues, according to the police chief.

Ceynowa said he and the department were sending their thoughts and prayers to the victims' families and loved ones involved in the "tragic event."