A Minnesota father and his three sons were found dead inside a burning home Sunday morning. Authorities later determined the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, not the fire.
Levi Christenson, 38, and his three sons—14-year-old twins Oliver and Felix Christenson, and 7-year-old Calvin Christenson—were discovered at the Grand Meadow property after first responders arrived to find smoke pouring from the house, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported.
The deaths of Calvin, Oliver and Felix were ruled homicides, while Levi died by suicide, according to a statement released by police Wednesday and obtained by the Rochester Post-Bulletin.
Mower County Sheriff Steven Sandvik said Levi fatally shot his sons before turning the gun on himself, according to the Star Tribune.
Sandvik later told the newspaper that “no suspects [are] being sought” in connection with 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.”
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the fire.
An online fundraiser has since been launched to support the 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, who organized the fundraiser, wrote.
“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 also shared photos of Felix and Oliver wearing their football uniforms. Felix, a freshman at Grand Meadow High School, played running back for the school’s football team.
His most recent game was a 38-20 victory over Kingsland High School, according to the school roster.
Oliver, who wore No. 24, also played running back. He most recently appeared in the team’s 58-18 win over Bethlehem Academy on Oct. 21.
A social media post Lauren Hosp shared in 2017 has resurfaced following the tragedy, highlighting the pride she felt in her twin sons.
“Could I possibly be a luckier Momma?” she wrote alongside photos 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 of whom knew the other had selected 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.