INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN — Inver Grove Heights police say three people were found dead Sunday inside a townhome on the 3200 block of 78th Street East after officers went there for a welfare check.
The victims were identified as 43-year-old Jamie Lee Charles, 22-year-old Jaymison Samuel Shaw and 19-year-old Willie Samuel Shaw Jr. Investigators believe the case involved a double murder-suicide, with the 22-year-old identified as the suspected attacker.
The Victims
Police released the names and ages of all three people found dead at the residence. Charles was 43, while the two younger men were 22 and 19.
Authorities did not say what relationship, if any, connected the three. They also have not described what led officers to the townhome or what signs pointed them toward a murder-suicide theory.
The Scene
The deaths happened in a home in the 3200 block of 78th Street East, a residential area in Inver Grove Heights. Officers were dispatched after a welfare check request and found all three people dead inside.
Police have not said whether anyone else was inside the home when officers arrived. No additional details about the condition of the residence or the timing of the deaths have been released.
Police Response
The Inver Grove Heights Police Department said the case has left a heavy mark on the community and on the families involved. In a statement, the department called the deaths deeply tragic and heartbreaking.
Investigators have not announced any arrests or charges. Because police believe the 22-year-old was the suspect, the case appears to be closed as a homicide investigation with no public indication of a continuing search.
What Is Known
At this stage, police have confirmed only the basic facts: three people dead, one home in Inver Grove Heights, and a suspected murder-suicide. They have not released a motive.
No information has been shared about weapons, prior calls to the address or any history between the people involved. Officials are asking the public to respect the families as the investigation continues.
Getting Help
Police included crisis resources in their statement, pointing people in emotional distress to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. The line is available by phone or text around the clock.
They also cited the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 800-950-6264 and the text option “HelpLine” to 62640. NAMI has local affiliates nationwide that offer support and education programs.
Local stories that matter, from Fairmont Flyer.