Authorities in Duluth are investigating the deaths of five people—including two juveniles—found in two separate residences in the West Duluth neighborhood Thursday.

Police discovered the victims, all suffering from apparent gunshot wounds, following a welfare check around 2:10 p.m.

Police confirmed late Thursday that the incident is being treated as a murder-suicide and emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public.

DPD officers responded to a welfare check at a residence in the 6000 block of Tacony Street. Inside, they found 47-year-old Erin Abramson and 15-year-old Jacob Nephew, both deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. Police say they were both Duluth residents and investigation suggests their deaths were intentional, directly related to events that were already unfolding in a nearby neighborhood.

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Shortly after discovering the first two victims, Duluth police identified a suspect connected to the first scene on Tacony Street. Officers established a perimeter around the suspect’s residence in the 4400 block of West 6th Street, just a few miles from the initial location. Upon entry, police found 45-year-old Kathryn Nephew (Ramsland) and her 7-year-old son, Oliver Nephew, both also deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

Nearby, the body of the suspect, 46-year-old Anthony Nephew, of Duluth, was found. Authorities said he appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

While investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the deaths, police have indicated that all five individuals were known to each other, suggesting it stemmed from previous domestic incidents. Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken said at a media conference early Friday afternoon that the suspect shared a child with both Kathryn Ramsland and Erin Abramson.

Chief Tusken said there is palpable and collective grief that the community now faces, and he extended condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families, friends and loved ones involved in this tragic event,” Chief Tusken said a statement.

Lake Superior College officials said in a statement about Kathryn Ramsland:

“Kat was a cherished member of the Lake Superior College Art Department. She was a passionate educator and esteemed colleague who left a lasting impact on her students, the college, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. This tragic loss is deeply felt across our campus community, and we extend our condolences to her family, friends, and students during this difficult time. Counseling and support services are available to our LSC community,” the Lake Superior College statement said.

Police have assured the public that this is an active and ongoing investigation. No further details have been released regarding potential motives, pending a complete forensic and investigative review. Chief Tusken said Friday that there had been prior police contact with the suspect, Anthony Nephew, but did not elaborate on those previous incidents, other than to say that there was a “pattern of mental health issues.”

Law enforcement officials are coordinating with local crisis counselors to offer resources for those directly impacted by the shootings.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, The Hotline is available 24/7/365. Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), Chat: thehotline.org or Text: "START" to 88788

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