A Detroit Lakes man shot and killed his three-year-old son while the boy was sleeping before taking his own life, authorities and the child’s family confirmed Tuesday.
The Becker County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased as Gene Russell Bartnes, 45, and his son, Koltyn Wayne Bartnes, 3, both of Detroit Lakes. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Koltyn’s death a homicide and Gene’s death a suicide.
Deputies responded to the home in Holmesville Township around 12:40 p.m. Monday after Bartnes’ brother went to check on him when he did not show up for work. The brother found Bartnes dead from a gunshot wound. When deputies arrived, they also found Koltyn dead.
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Koltyn’s mother, Kristi Frazier, told Valley News Live that her son was shot in the back while he was sleeping. She said Bartnes then crawled into bed next to the boy and shot himself in the chest.
Bartnes left three suicide notes: one was an apology, one was addressed to law enforcement and another was addressed to Frazier. She said she hasn’t been able to read the notes due to the active investigation.
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Frazier said Bartnes may have been struggling with mental illness. She said her landlord told her Bartnes “seemed off” in the days before the deaths.
The BCA Crime Lab continues to assist the Becker County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.
