INTERNATIONAL FALLS — Two people died in an apparent domestic violence-related murder-suicide in International Falls.
According to a news release from the Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy noticed a vehicle running in a driveway in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 7. The deputy was aware of a protection order in place between the owner of the vehicle and the resident of the home, and he attempted to make contact.
After receiving no response, the deputy forced entry and located the bodies of Ashley Kittelson, 35, and Nicholas Kittelson, 44. A preliminary investigation indicates Nicholas Kittelson fatally shot Ashley Kittelson before turning the gun on himself.
According to a GoFundMe page, Ashley Kittelson was a nurse and a mother to three young children.
“She dedicated her life to caring for others: both in her work as a nurse and in the love she poured into raising her children,” it stated. “Her kids were her entire world, and she worked hard to give them safety, love and opportunity.”
As of Monday, more than $22,000 had been raised on behalf of Kittelson’s children, with the GoFundMe goal set at $35,000.
The International Falls School District stated in a news release that the district will host on-site support services for students and staff the week of March 16.
“Our greater community has experienced a profound and tragic loss, and we know this event has touched the lives of many of our students, families, staff and friends throughout [the district],” it stated.
“Grief can look very different for children than it does for adults, and it is completely normal for everyone to need extra support in moments like these.”
Friends Against Abuse is a nonprofit serving International Falls and Baudette, and provides advocacy services for crime victims, including sexual assault and domestic violence. Its 24-hour phone service is available at 1-888-344-3264.
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