Holmesville Township (trfnews.i234.me) — Authorities have released the names of a man and a young boy found dead at a home in Becker County. The case is being investigated as an apparent murder-suicide.
Victims Identified
The Becker County Sheriff’s Office said the dead were Gene Russell Bartnes, 45, and his son, Koltyn Wayne Bartnes, 3. Both were from Detroit Lakes.
Officials said the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Koltyn’s death a homicide. Gene Bartnes’ death was ruled a suicide. Those findings were shared in an update from the sheriff’s office.
How the Scene Was Found
According to authorities, the sheriff’s office received a call at about 12:39 p.m. Monday. A man had gone to check on his brother after he did not show up for work.
When the man arrived at the home in Holmesville Township, he found Gene Bartnes dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Deputies then went to the scene and found Koltyn Bartnes also dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
Authorities have not released more details about what happened inside the home. Investigators also have not said whether anyone else was present before the deaths.
Investigation Continues
The case remains under investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Crime Lab is helping the Becker County Sheriff’s Office process evidence and review the scene.
The medical findings were completed by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office. Officials said those findings helped determine the manner of death for both victims.
No further information was released Tuesday. Investigators may provide more updates after lab work and interviews are completed.
This case has shaken the local area because of the age of the child and the family connection involved. Holmesville Township is a rural area near Detroit Lakes, where both victims lived.
Anyone with information that could help investigators should contact local law enforcement.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.