Blab News
Three Dead in Hopkins Daycare Incident; Police Investigate Possible Murder-Suicide
On the morning of August 12, 2026, police discovered a grim scene at Brown Bear Daycare, an in‑home childcare center on the 200 block of Tyler Avenue North in Hopkins, Minnesota. The officers arrived just after 9 a.m. and found three bodies—two adults and a child—inside the home, while six other children were safely evacuated and reunited with their families.
Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnson said the victims were members of the same family. Preliminary investigations suggest the deceased man was the perpetrator and subsequently took his own life. The police have not released details about the weapon used or the exact circumstances of the deaths, but Chief Johnson emphasized that no other children were harmed and that the incident is isolated.
A parent who had come to drop off their children called 911 after witnessing the event. “There’s no worse scenario than this, where you drop off your child to somewhere you think is safe, and you get that phone call,” Johnson said. “I think we can all relate, those who have children and those who don’t. This is just a tragic situation anywhere in the world, let alone here in Hopkins.”
The police have cordoned off Tyler Street between 2nd Street and Lake Street while a crime‑scene investigation vehicle remains on site. Multiple police agencies and an ambulance are present, and the Hopkins Police Department plans to hold a briefing Wednesday afternoon at about 4 p.m. to provide further updates.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty acknowledged the tragedy and confirmed that the county’s victim services division is ready to support those affected. “We’re aware of this morning’s tragic and devastating incident in Hopkins and are working with Hopkins Police as they investigate,” Moriarty said. “Our office’s victim services division is prepared to support the individuals impacted by this incident. We will provide further updates when available.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also released a statement earlier Wednesday, expressing solidarity. “I know that our hearts and our prayers are with the people of Hopkins and any families that have been impacted,” Frey said. “The City of Minneapolis stands with Hopkins. We are not strangers to crisis, and when it takes place, we work together. That’s exactly what we’ll be doing here.”
The incident has prompted a swift response from local law enforcement and county officials, but authorities have stated that there is no current threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the motive and any potential connections to other incidents.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits further information from the Hopkins Police Department and Hennepin County Attorney’s office. The city of Minneapolis has offered assistance and resources to the affected families and the broader Hopkins community. No additional casualties have been reported, and the six children who were present have been confirmed safe.
The situation remains fluid. Police and county officials will provide updates as new facts emerge, and the upcoming briefing is expected to offer more detail on the investigation’s direction and any preliminary findings. The community’s focus remains on supporting the families affected by this tragic event and ensuring that the children who were present receive the care and reassurance they need.
Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnson said the victims were members of the same family. Preliminary investigations suggest the deceased man was the perpetrator and subsequently took his own life. The police have not released details about the weapon used or the exact circumstances of the deaths, but Chief Johnson emphasized that no other children were harmed and that the incident is isolated.
A parent who had come to drop off their children called 911 after witnessing the event. “There’s no worse scenario than this, where you drop off your child to somewhere you think is safe, and you get that phone call,” Johnson said. “I think we can all relate, those who have children and those who don’t. This is just a tragic situation anywhere in the world, let alone here in Hopkins.”
The police have cordoned off Tyler Street between 2nd Street and Lake Street while a crime‑scene investigation vehicle remains on site. Multiple police agencies and an ambulance are present, and the Hopkins Police Department plans to hold a briefing Wednesday afternoon at about 4 p.m. to provide further updates.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty acknowledged the tragedy and confirmed that the county’s victim services division is ready to support those affected. “We’re aware of this morning’s tragic and devastating incident in Hopkins and are working with Hopkins Police as they investigate,” Moriarty said. “Our office’s victim services division is prepared to support the individuals impacted by this incident. We will provide further updates when available.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also released a statement earlier Wednesday, expressing solidarity. “I know that our hearts and our prayers are with the people of Hopkins and any families that have been impacted,” Frey said. “The City of Minneapolis stands with Hopkins. We are not strangers to crisis, and when it takes place, we work together. That’s exactly what we’ll be doing here.”
The incident has prompted a swift response from local law enforcement and county officials, but authorities have stated that there is no current threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine the motive and any potential connections to other incidents.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits further information from the Hopkins Police Department and Hennepin County Attorney’s office. The city of Minneapolis has offered assistance and resources to the affected families and the broader Hopkins community. No additional casualties have been reported, and the six children who were present have been confirmed safe.
The situation remains fluid. Police and county officials will provide updates as new facts emerge, and the upcoming briefing is expected to offer more detail on the investigation’s direction and any preliminary findings. The community’s focus remains on supporting the families affected by this tragic event and ensuring that the children who were present receive the care and reassurance they need.
