An in-home daycare near Minneapolis became the scene of a tragic incident on Wednesday when three individuals, including a child, were discovered dead in what police described as a ‘domestic-related homicide.’ The authorities responded to a report at the Brown Bear Daycare in Hopkins shortly before 9 a.m., where they found the bodies of a man, a woman, and a child inside the residence.

Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnson indicated that the victims are believed to be family members. Six other children present at the daycare during the incident were unharmed and have been returned to their families. A parent arriving to drop off a child reportedly witnessed the occurrence and alerted the police.

Chief Johnson remarked on the heartbreaking nature of the event, noting the sense of security parents expect when leaving their children at daycare. He expressed empathy for families everywhere who can relate to the fear such an event causes.

‘There’s no worse scenario than this, where you drop off your child to somewhere you think is safe, and you get that phone call,’ Johnson said.

The police later issued a statement confirming they responded to a report of a stabbing at the home, which also operated as a daycare on Tyler Avenue North. Authorities believe there are no outstanding suspects or further threats to public safety.

Chief Johnson also shared with Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul that the male victim was suspected to be the perpetrator, who then took his own life. This revelation stressed the isolated nature of the incident.

Community leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have extended their support to Hopkins and the affected families. Frey emphasized the importance of community solidarity during such crises, highlighting collaborative efforts between municipal heads to cope with such a tragedy.

‘I know that our hearts and our prayers are with the people of Hopkins and any families that have been impacted,’ Frey stated.

Additionally, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty offered support from the victim services division, aiming to aid those impacted by this devastating event.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for help.