A tragic incident at a home-based daycare in Hopkins, Minnesota, has left three people dead after police said a man killed a woman and a child before taking his own life. Authorities described the case as a domestic-related homicide and said there is no continuing threat to the public.
Police were called to a residence on Tyler Avenue North at about 9 a.m. Wednesday following a report of a stabbing. Officers discovered two adults and a child dead inside the property, which operates as Brown Bear Childcare.
Police Respond to Deadly Incident at Hopkins Daycare
According to Hopkins police, the preliminary investigation indicates that the deceased man was responsible for the killings and later died by suicide. Investigators have not released the identities of those who died and have not disclosed details about how the victims were killed.
The incident reportedly came to light after a parent arriving to drop off a child witnessed the attack and contacted authorities. Police said the case appears to be domestic in nature, and investigators have found no evidence of an additional suspect at large.
The daycare had several children inside when the incident occurred. Six children who were not injured were removed from the property and later reunited with their parents, according to police.
Community Shocked by Rare Hopkins Tragedy
The deaths have deeply affected residents in Hopkins, a Minneapolis suburb with a population of roughly 19,000. Local officials described the incident as an especially painful event for a close-knit community.
Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnson said the circumstances were particularly disturbing for the officers who arrived at the scene. He emphasized the emotional impact of an incident occurring at a location where parents had entrusted their children to caregivers.
City officials also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and offered support to those affected by the tragedy.
Daycare Had Operated for Several Years
Brown Bear Childcare had been licensed by the state since 2019 and was approved to care for up to 10 children. State records indicate that the facility was found to be in compliance during inspections conducted in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Authorities continue to investigate what led to the deadly confrontation, including the motive behind the killings. Police have not released additional details while the investigation remains ongoing.
