Double Death Investigation in Empire Underway: Apparent Murder-Suicide
EMPIRE, MINNESOTA— Tragedy struck the small community of Empire on Sunday, August 25th, when the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of two deceased individuals in a farm field near 210th Street East and Clayton Avenue.
According to the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, authorities were alerted to the scene around 8 p.m. after a family member discovered the bodies of 65-year-old Smith Coop Brown and his 27-year-old spouse, Payao Vang, both residents of Oakdale, Minnesota. According to the Sheriff's Office, the couple had visited their leased farm plot earlier in the day, but when they failed to return home, their son became concerned and, accompanied by another family member, went to check on them. Upon arrival, they found both Brown and Vang deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office has since confirmed the victims' identities. Preliminary investigation suggests that Brown may have fatally shot Vang before turning the gun on himself. Authorities recovered two handguns at the scene, one of which was found in Brown’s hand, while the other was located in his jacket pocket.
The Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation to uncover any possible motives behind this tragic incident. There is no known threat to the public, and no further details are being released.
"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims during this difficult time," the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office stated in a media release.
Written by: Will Wight
Cover Photo Credit: Cover Photo by Max Fleischmann on Unsplash
