A Minnesota nurse and her two adult sons were found dead Sunday in their Inver Grove Heights home in what authorities are investigating as a double murder-suicide. Police identified the nurse as Jamie Lee Charles, 43, and her sons as Jaymison Samuel Shaw, 22, and William Samuel Shaw Jr., 19.
"Preliminary findings indicate this incident was a double murder-suicide," Inver Grove Police Chief Melissa Chiodo stated Tuesday. "Based on the investigation to date, the incident appears to have been contained within the residence and Jaymison Shaw has been identified as the suspect."
Police have not yet released details on how the three died or what prompted the welfare check that led to their discovery. Charles worked as a nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System for nine years. Her niece, Polly Morgan, described the family as having "touched the lives of so many people" and left a void that "can never be filled."
Jaymison Shaw had recently celebrated his 22nd birthday in June, and William Samuel Shaw Jr. graduated from high school the previous year. Charles had marked a significant personal health anniversary less than two weeks prior to her death, writing on Facebook on August 16 about overcoming a serious illness. "One year ago today I was laying in a hospital dying," she posted. "I didn’t understand how with a blink of an eye my life got flipped upside down. I am forever grateful for my family and friends that have been there for me in my journey! Without all of you I would not have made it."
Resources for those experiencing mental health crises are available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-TALK (8255) or by texting 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. The 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline is also available by dialing 988 or visiting SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.