A Minnesota father and his three sons were found dead inside a burning home Sunday morning. Authorities later determined that the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, not the fire.
Levi Christenson, 38, and his sons—14-year-old twins Oliver and Felix, along with 7-year-old Calvin—were discovered at the Grand Meadow property after first responders arrived to find smoke pouring from the residence, 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 law enforcement Wednesday and obtained by the Rochester Post-Bulletin.
Mower County Sheriff Steven Sandvik said Levi fatally shot his three 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 been launched to help 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.
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“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 understand how much being their mother meant to her. Her sons were her pride and joy, her happiness and the center of her universe. The love she has for them will never fade.”
Payne also posted photos of Felix and Oliver wearing their football uniforms. Felix, a freshman, played running back for the Grand Meadow High School football team.
According to the team roster, his most recent game was a 38-20 victory over Kingsland High School.
Oliver, who wore No. 24, also played running back for Grand Meadow. His last recorded appearance came in a 58-18 win over Bethlehem Academy on Oct. 21.
A social media post Lauren Hosp shared in 2017 has resurfaced following the tragedy, showing the pride she felt for her twin sons.
“Could I possibly be a luckier Momma?” she wrote in a caption accompanying a photo 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 them. 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 visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
