Image Source: AP News
A daycare center in Hopkins, Minnesota, became the scene of a devastating family tragedy Wednesday morning after a man fatally attacked his wife and their 7-year-old daughter before taking his own life, according to police and a search warrant obtained by The Associated Press.
Authorities identified the man as Nathan Brown, 41. The victims were his wife, Kristen Brown, 41, and their daughter, Evie Brown. The attack happened inside the family’s basement, where Kristen Brown operated Brown Bear Childcare, a licensed in-home daycare center.
Shocking daycare center killings under investigation
The Hennepin County search warrant says Nathan Brown used a screwdriver to fatally stab Kristen and Evie. He then went upstairs and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a closet, according to investigators.
Hopkins police said Thursday that the investigation remains active. Authorities have not announced a possible motive, and officials have not indicated whether criminal charges will be filed in connection with the deaths because the suspected attacker also died.
A parent arriving to drop off two children reportedly heard screams coming from the basement. The parent entered the home and initially believed Brown was performing CPR. The witness soon realized an attack was taking place, called 911 and left with the children. Two other children were also taken from the home.
Six children were present during the tragedy
Police said six other children were inside the daycare center when the violence occurred. None of those children was physically harmed, authorities said. The incident nevertheless left families and the local community facing difficult questions about child safety and emergency response.
Investigators also believe Brown may have killed a 78-year-old female relative earlier at her home in Burnsville, roughly 20 miles from Hopkins. Police have not released the woman’s identity or explained her relationship to Brown. Authorities said Brown had recently been living at the Burnsville residence.
The search warrant states that Kristen Brown had recently sent parents a letter saying the daycare center would soon close because of “relationship issues with Nathan.” Police have not said whether that letter was connected to the killings or whether it provides evidence of a motive.
What is known about Brown Bear Childcare
State records show Kristen Brown had been licensed to operate the daycare center since 2019. The facility had a capacity of 10 children and was found to be in compliance during state visits in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Kristen opened Brown Bear Childcare several months after Evie was born. In a 2019 post on the center’s Facebook page, she wrote that she hoped to help her daughter and the other children “blossom into happy, intelligent, caring individuals.”
According to information previously shared by the daycare, Kristen held a bachelor’s degree in elementary education foundations from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and was certified in vision therapy. She incorporated music and cooking activities into the children’s days and organized trips to a science museum and an orchard.
Those details have added to the grief felt by families who knew the center as a welcoming place for young children. Family members of Kristen Brown declined to comment Thursday.
Police investigation continues in Hopkins
Officials said there had been no history of police calls to the Hopkins address. Investigators are examining the events at both residences, speaking with witnesses and reviewing evidence collected under the search warrant.
Police have not described any warning signs beyond the relationship concerns referenced in the letter to parents. They also have not said whether the alleged attack at the daycare center was planned or how the suspected killing in Burnsville may be connected.
The case has renewed attention on the challenges faced by families and operators of in-home childcare facilities. While the daycare center had passed recent state inspections, officials emphasized that the investigation concerns a domestic violence incident rather than a reported safety violation involving the childcare operation.
The Associated Press reported the incident based on police statements, public records and the Hennepin County search warrant. Officials urged the public to avoid speculation while detectives continue gathering information.
Editor’s note: This article includes discussion of suicide. Anyone in the United States experiencing a mental health crisis or worried about someone else can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the daycare center tragedy happen?
The killings happened at Brown Bear Childcare, an in-home daycare center operated from the Brown family’s basement in Hopkins, a suburb of Minneapolis.
Who were the victims?
Police identified the victims as Kristen Brown, 41, and her 7-year-old daughter, Evie Brown.
What happened to Nathan Brown?
Authorities say Nathan Brown, 41, fatally attacked his wife and daughter before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Were any other children injured?
Six other children were present at the daycare center, but authorities said none was physically harmed.
Have police announced a motive?
No. Police said the investigation is ongoing and have not released a potential motive for the killings.
