A Minnesota dad and his three sons were found dead inside a burning home – before authorities revealed they died in a murder-suicide rather than the flames.
Levi Christenson, 38, and his 14-year-old sons, Oliver and Felix Christenson – who are twins – and Calvin Christenson, 7, were found dead inside the Grand Meadow property, which had smoke billowing from it when first responders arrived at the scene Sunday morning, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported.
The manner of Calvin, Oliver and Felix’s deaths has been ruled a homicide, while Levi died by suicide, cops said in a release Wednesday, which was seen by the Rochester Post-Bulletin.
Levi Christenson fatally shot his sons before turning the weapon on himself, Mower County Sheriff Steven Sandvik said, according to the Star Tribune.
Sandvik later told the outlet “no suspects [are] being sought” in relation to the deaths.
“The nature of this tragic and inconceivable tragedy occurring in a close-knit community has touched all parts of the community,” the sheriff’s office said.
“We continue to ask that the privacy of all involved is respected during this extremely difficult time as the community comes together to help each other come to grips with this tragedy and work toward healing.”
The cause of the blaze is still being investigated.
Meanwhile, an online fundraiser has been created to support the three boys’ mother, Lauren Hosp.
“Lauren’s three boys were her entire world, her greatest blessings, and the light of her life. Everything she did was rooted in the love she had for them,” DeeDee Payne, the fundraiser’s creator, said.
“She was a truly spectacular mother who loved her boys beyond measure. Her love, dedication, and devotion to them were evident in everything she did.
“Those who know Lauren know just how much being their mom meant to her. Her boys were her pride and joy, her happiness, and the center of her universe. The love she has for them is something that will never fade.”
Payne shared pictures of Felix and Oliver in their football attire. Felix Christenson, a freshman, was a running back for the Grand Meadow High School football team.
He last played in a 38-20 win against Kingsland High School, according to the school’s roster.
Oliver Christenson, who wore the number 24 jersey, was also a running back for the school’s team – last starring in a 58-18 win against Bethlehem Academy on Oct. 21.
Lauren Hosp couldn’t hide her pride for her twin boys in a now-heartbreaking social media post from 2017, which has since resurfaced in light of the tragedy.
“Could I possibly be a luckier Momma?” she said, captioning a post of Oliver and Felix holding their student of the month certificates.
“These two won student of the month for kindness – in separate classes, from separate teachers (neither or (sic) which knew the other had awarded their student). I have some amazing boys and I absolutely could not be more proud!”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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