On November 7, 2024, a welfare check in Duluth, Minnesota revealed a devastating scene. Five individuals, including two children aged seven and 15, were found dead across two separate residences. The Duluth Police Department has classified the incident as a quadruple murder-suicide.
Erin Abramson, 47, had not shown up for work, prompting a coworker to express concern. Officers were deployed to Abramson’s Tacony Street home, where they found her and her 15-year-old son, Jacob Nephew, dead from gunshot wounds.
Following the grim discovery, Anthony Nephew, 46, was identified as a person of interest. Police set up surveillance at his residence. Upon entering the home, officers discovered the deceased bodies of Kathryn Nephew (Ramsland), 45, their seven-year-old son, Oliver Nephew, and Anthony Nephew, all from gunshot wounds. The investigation concluded that Anthony Nephew had killed his family before committing suicide.
Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa mentioned that the suspect had a history of mental health problems, leading to several previous police visits to his residence.
Prior to the event, Nephew had been vocal on Facebook about his struggles with mental health. He frequently posted anti-Trump and left-leaning content. In one post, he expressed an inability to live peacefully in the world due to his mental health challenges, blaming religion for part of his distress.
In another post, Nephew criticized Republicans for their alleged role in making it difficult for women to escape abusive relationships. He also referenced “The Handmaid’s Tale,” drawing parallels between the dystopian series and the oppression of women.
Nephew shared various political images, including one featuring Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris. He associated Trump with the word “hate,” while linking Democratic leaders with words like “hope,” “heal,” and “grow.” From his posts, Nephew’s dissatisfaction as an Independent voter was apparent. He expressed hope for better candidates from both parties and criticized the binary choice between fascism and its opposition.
In a local newspaper op-ed, Nephew highlighted his mental health struggles, warning that breakdowns could lead to suicide or homicide. He criticized the U.S. mental health system for stigmatizing and neglecting individuals, leaving them to grapple with their struggles alone. He emphasized the societal pressures that force many Americans to deny or hide their mental health issues.
Nephew and Abramson had a shared child and were previously in a relationship, adding to the tragedy’s impact on family and community members.
In the aftermath of the incident, Duluth-area schools have provided crisis resources to students affected by the tragedy.
The Duluth Police Department is still investigating the incident, hoping to establish a complete timeline and determine if any intervention opportunities were missed. Chief Ceynowa noted that cell phone data and other records are being used to piece together the events leading up to the incident, though a specific motive has not been disclosed.
