Apparent Murder-Suicide Reported in Dakota County

Farmington, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Dakota County Sheriff's Office has released information concerning an apparent murder-suicide that occurred last weekend.

A news release indicates that Dakota County deputies responded to the City of Empire near Farmington  Sunday night after receiving a report that a deceased man and woman had been found by a family member in a farm field. Officials say the son of the man and another family member drove to a leased farm plot to check on his father and stepmother after they failed to return after leaving to visit the property earlier in the day.

Dakota County officials say both were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office identified them as 65-year-old Smith Coop Brown and 27-year-old Payao Vang of Oakdale.

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The news release concerning their deaths says the evidence suggests Brown killed his wife and then committed suicide. Two handguns were recovered at the scene. The Sheriff's Office says one of the weapons was found in Brown's hand and another was in his jacket pocket.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. Resource information is provided for free as well as a chat message service. To speak directly to a professional, call 988. You are not alone and help is available. Every life is important.

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