More than 200 gather in Hopkins to remember family killed in apparent murder-suicide
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More than 200 people gathered Monday night in Hopkins to remember three members of a family killed last week in an apparent murder-suicide.
The vigil at Downtown Park honored Kristen Brown, her 7-year-old daughter, Evie, and Brown’s mother-in-law, Alice Brown.
Kristen Brown operated Brown Bear Daycare out of her Hopkins home. In a statement released Monday, families from the daycare described it as “a second home for our children” and said Kristen was an exceptional caregiver and educator.
The families said Kristen started Brown Bear because of Evie, whom they remembered as “a natural leader” who loved purple, rainbows and sparkles.
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“Evie was the heart of Brown Bear,” the statement said. “Our children lost one of their very best friends.”
Hopkins Mayor Patrick Hanlon was among those who spoke at the vigil.
“Do I know what the answer is right now or what the lessons are? I don’t,” Hanlon said. “This was just a horrific, traumatic event in our community, and we’re all just reeling right now.”
Alice Brown’s brother-in-law, Bob Boyd, told those gathered that her goodness was “remarkable.”
“I think we can all learn from her to give love and compassion for folks who have mental illness, and also love and compassion for those who want to celebrate life,” Boyd said.
Boyd said he and his wife found Alice in her Burnsville home.
Police believe Nathan Brown killed his wife, Kristen, and their daughter at the family’s Hopkins home and killed his mother, Alice, at another location. He was later found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Brown Bear families said parents and children from the daycare are supporting one another and asked for privacy as they focus on their children’s mental health and well-being.
A 24-hour statewide sexual violence and domestic violence hotline is available in Minnesota. You can call Minnesota Day One at (866) 223-1111 or text (612) 399-9995 to connect to resources closest to where you live.
