Minnesota Father Commits Murder-Suicide, Killing Sleeping Three-Year-Old Son
A horrific murder-suicide in Minnesota has left a three-year-old boy dead at the hands of his own father. Koltyn Bartnes was shot in the back as he slept inside a home in Holmesville Township, before his father, Gene Bartnes, 45, turned the gun on himself and took his own life.
Grim Discovery Made After Father Misses Work
The tragic incident was discovered on Monday afternoon, after Gene Bartnes failed to appear for work. His brother, growing concerned, went to check on him at his residence in Holmesville Township. Upon entering the home, he found Gene deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.
When deputies from the Becker County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene, they made the devastating discovery of Koltyn's body. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office has since ruled the toddler's death a homicide and Gene's death a suicide.
Mother Reveals Heartbreaking Details and Suicide Notes
Koltyn's mother, Kristi Frazier, has spoken publicly about the tragedy. She revealed that Gene left three suicide notes at the scene. One note was addressed to her, another was an apology, and a third was intended for law enforcement. However, Frazier has not been able to read them as they are now part of the ongoing police investigation.
Describing the moment she received the news, Frazier said, 'I just want to hold my baby. I stood up and I just fell. I couldn't even move.' She added, 'They said that Koltyn was shot in the back when he was sleeping. Then his dad crawled into bed next to him and shot himself in the chest.'
Father Had Recent History of Domestic Violence
Court records indicate that Gene Bartnes had a troubling past. He had recently completed three years of probation related to a domestic assault conviction in 2023. According to a criminal complaint, he had pleaded guilty to punching his fiancée's 17-year-old son at the same address where the murder-suicide later occurred.
Frazier noted that she had observed odd behavior from Gene in the days leading up to the incident but never anticipated such a violent and tragic outcome.
Community Rallies to Support Grieving Mother
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been established to support Kristi Frazier. As of Wednesday, donors had already raised over $7,000 to help with funeral expenses and provide financial support during this incredibly difficult time.
A post on the fundraising page stated, 'No parent should ever have to experience this kind of pain, and yet our beloved daycare provider, Kristi, is now facing every parent’s worst nightmare.' It continued, 'Every day, she pours her heart into caring for others—nurturing, showing up, and creating an environment where children feel deeply loved and valued. Now, it’s our turn to surround her with that same love.'
Investigation Ongoing with State Assistance
The Becker County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Crime Lab is assisting with the investigation. In a statement, the sheriff's office detailed the timeline, noting the call was received at approximately 12:39 PM on March 30, 2026, after the brother's welfare check.
The deceased have been officially identified as Gene Russell Bartnes, 45, and his son, Koltyn Wayne Bartnes, age 3, both residents of Detroit Lakes. The community remains in shock as authorities continue to piece together the events leading to this heartbreaking loss.
