Report: Zimmerman mother killed herself, 2 kids were drowned
Investigators on Tuesday morning disclosed a preliminary report on the causes of death in the case of a mother and two children who were found dead in their home in Zimmerman, Minn., on Easter Sunday.
The Star Tribune reports that the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office said Stephanie Shields, 35, committed suicide, and that her 6- and 7-year-old children were killed by "freshwater drowning" in the family’s home.
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office released new information Tuesday morning that they’re investigating the incident as a double murder-suicide, WCCO reports.
A neighbor had discovered the bodies inside the home Sunday, the St. Cloud Times reports.
The children had been identified as Nolan Shields, 7, and Josephine Shields, 6. Investigators had said they were not seeking any suspects, and they have said the public is not in danger.
Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott said Monday that Stephanie Shields’ husband Mark moved out of the residence within the last week, the St. Cloud Times reported.
Counselors were available Tuesday morning at Zimmerman Elementary School, as the Shields' children's classmates returned from spring break, KARE 11 reported.
The investigation continues.
Check back for more updates on this developing story.