A Minnesota father and his three sons were found dead following a house fire, and authorities now suspect their deaths were the result of a murder-suicide.
The Mower County Sheriff’s Office said that four family members were found dead on Sunday, November 8, after the fire. The victims have since been identified as Levi Christenson and his sons Oliver and Felix, both 14, and Calvin, 7.
Authorities said that Oliver, Felix and Calvin’s deaths were all ruled as homicides by gunshot wound, while Christenson, 38, was determined to have died by suicide.
It’s not currently clear whether authorities believe Christenson had a motive in the killings.
The investigation into the fire remains ongoing, and officials said that “there are several questions that cannot be answered definitively at this point until further analysis is completed and confirmed,” according to People.
“The nature of this tragic and inconceivable tragedy occurring in this close-knit small community has touched all parts of the community,” Mower County Sheriff Steven Sandvik said in a statement about the tragedy. “We continue to ask that the privacy of all involved is respected during this extremely difficult time as the community comes together to help each other come to grips with this tragedy and work toward healing.”
It was initially reported that first responders went to the home late on Sunday morning and found smoke coming from the residence.
The Mower County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comments regarding updates in the case.
Following the tragedy, family friend DeeDee Payne started a GoFundMe to financially help the boys’ mother, Lauren Hosp, during her difficult time.
“No mother should ever have to endure such a heartbreaking loss, and there are simply no words that could ever begin to describe the pain she is facing,” Payne wrote in the fundraiser’s description.
Payne added that “Lauren’s three boys were her entire world, her greatest blessings, and the light of her life.”
“Everything she did was rooted in the love she had for them. She was a truly spectacular mother who loved her boys beyond measure. Her love, dedication, and devotion to them were evident in everything she did,” she added.
Payne also urged those contributing to acknowledge the work of the emergency personnel who responded to the fire.
“These are the individuals who run toward situations that most of us cannot even begin to imagine,” she wrote in an update. “Beneath their uniforms are human beings who feel, hurt, and carry the emotional weight of what they encounter. Our hearts are with each and every one of them as they, too, navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking day.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
