RAMSEY, Minn. - The Anoka County Sheriff's Office is investigating the deaths of two people inside a Ramsey home, where children were present, as a murder-suicide.
Officials say the two people have been identified as 30-year-old Courtney Marie Monson and 41-year-old Bryce William Monson.
Officers were dispatched to the home on the 16200 block of Azurite Street Northwest after a phone in the residence called 911 -- and all that could be heard was screaming and crying.
Witness statements and evidence gathered at the scene suggest there was a confrontation in the home that eventually led to violence. Police say Courtney Monson sought refuge in a basement bedroom with three of her four children when Bryce Monson shot her multiple times with a semi-automatic handgun.
Authorities say that's when Bryce turned the gun on himself.
None of the children -- ages 2, 3, 9 and 12 -- at the scene were injured. The children are currently being cared for by family members.
"She was an amazing woman," said Tyler Roland, youth pastor at Hope Fellowship Church. "I've had a couple chances since the incident to be with the kids. The first time I saw the oldest I gave him a hug and we just kind of cried. What do you say in moments like that? Just be there and let the kids know that we love them, and that God loves them."
Courtney Monson was a board member for the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association (ARAA). ARAA President Dustin Reeder mourned the loss of his colleague in a Facebook post Monday.
We miss our friend and colleague terribly. Courtney was an incredible mother that always put her kids first and gave to our community through countless hours of volunteerism. It is now time for us as her community to give back to her by lifting up her family during their time of need.
The Ramsey Police Department and the Anoka County Sheriff's Office continue to investigate the incident.
A memorial fund has been established. Money can be directed to any Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union branch. A GofFundMe page has also been set up. A vigil is planned for Friday, April 29 at 8 p.m. in Central Park in Ramsey. Thousands of people are expected to attend.