Police said a Minnesota man allegedly killed his estranged wife before he then died by suicide during a tragic incident that took place just days after he was released from jail for violating a protection order she had filed against him.
Ashley Kittelson and Nicholas Kittelson were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide on March 6, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune, Northern News Now and WDIO.
The outlets reported that a deputy with the Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in International Falls on the morning of March 6 after he noticed a running vehicle in the driveway.
The deputy was aware of a protection order between the former couple, so he forced his way into the home and found the pair dead, according to Northern News Now.
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Investigators believe Nicholas, 44, shot Ashley, 35, before he died by suicide.
An investigation was launched into the matter, and officials said that authorities found the pair’s 20-month-old son alone in a hotel room where Nicholas was staying amid their separation, per the Star Tribune.
The investigation reportedly remains ongoing, per the outlets.
Court documents obtained by the Star Tribune reveal that Ashley claimed Nicholas had been abusive during their marriage in a petition for a protection order, which was filed one month before the alleged murder-suicide.
The former couple married back in September 2023.
“Nicholas has threatened my life many times,” she wrote in the petition, per the outlet. “He is not accepting that the marriage is over, and I fear for my safety.”
Nicholas later allegedly violated the order after it was filed, and he was charged with several misdemeanors. A judge ordered his release from jail without bond during a bail hearing on March 2. As part of his release, Nicholas was expected to appear in court at a later date, according to the Star Tribune.
The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment regarding the case.
Following Ashley’s death, her loved ones set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for her three children “as they navigate life after this tragedy.”
“Our small community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of a truly wonderful woman, taken far too soon. Ashley was a devoted mother of three young children, a compassionate nurse, and a friend to so many,” the post stated. “Anyone who knew her knew the warmth, kindness, and generosity she carried in her heart every single day.”
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Ashley “dedicated her life to caring for others — both in her work as a nurse and in the love she poured into raising her children,” the post continued. “Her kids were her entire world, and she worked hard to give them safety, love, and opportunity.”
“Tragically, her life was taken in an act of violence that has shaken our entire community,” the post added. “In the wake of this unimaginable loss, three young children are now facing a future without their mother’s love, guidance, and support.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
