Statement Regarding the Domestic Violence Killings in Burnsville and Hopkins
Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, children, and entire communities impacted by the devastating violence in Burnsville and Hopkins this week that took the lives of Alice Anne Brown, 78, Kristen Ann Brown, 41, and Evie Ann Brown, 7. Nathan Brown, 41, killed his mother, wife, and daughter before taking his own life.
Community issue
This tragedy is a reminder that domestic violence is not simply a private matter between two people. It is a community issue, and its consequences touch all of us. It reaches children, families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, first responders, and entire communities. In this case, the impact is especially profound for the children and other witnesses who were present at the daycare when this violence occurred. Although the other children were not physically harmed and were safely reunited with their families, they experienced something no child should ever have to experience, and they will carry the emotional trauma for years.
Power and Control
Domestic violence is a result of a person’s choice to use power and control. It does not happen because of mental illness, substance use, anger, stress, or a relationship gone wrong. Those circumstances may exist alongside abuse, but they do not cause it. The responsibility for that choice belongs to the person who uses the violence. Understanding this distinction matters because we cannot effectively recognize abusive patterns, support survivors, or prevent domestic violence if we misunderstand what causes it.
360 Communities is committed to helping our community recognize the signs of abuse, understand the complexities of domestic violence, know how to respond, and access safety planning and support. We will continue working alongside survivors, families, community members, and our partners to build a community where people are safer, where concerns are taken seriously, and where no one has to navigate abuse alone.
Support is available
If something in your relationships doesn’t feel right, or if you are worried about someone, please reach out to speak with an advocate on our domestic violence crisis line at (651) 452-7288. Domestic violence resources are available here.
You do not have to wait for a crisis to ask for help, and we are here for you.
Resources
Here are some additional articles from The Hotline to help understand the underlying issues in this case.