Tragic Incident at Minnesota Daycare: What Happened and What We Know

Content Warning: This article discusses a violent domestic incident involving the deaths of a mother and child, and a suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help immediately.

What Happened: A Simple Timeline

On Wednesday morning, a terrible tragedy took place at a home daycare in Hopkins, Minnesota (a suburb of Minneapolis). Here is what authorities have shared so far, in the order it happened:

1. Earlier that morning (in Burnsville): Investigators believe Nathan Brown, 41, killed a 78-year-old female relative at her home in Burnsville, about 20 miles away. He had been living there recently. Her name and exact relationship have not been released.
2. At the Daycare (Hopkins): Nathan Brown went to the family home in Hopkins, where his wife, Kristen Brown, 41, ran a licensed daycare called Brown Bear Childcare out of the basement.
3. The Attack: Inside the daycare, Nathan fatally stabbed Kristen and their 7-year-old daughter, Evie.
4. A Witness Intervenes: A father dropping off his two children heard screams from the basement. He entered and initially thought Nathan was performing CPR. He quickly realized it was an attack, called 911, and fled with his children plus two other children.
5. The Aftermath: Police arrived to find Kristen and Evie deceased. Nathan Brown was found dead in an upstairs closet from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
6. The Other Children: Six other children were present in the daycare at the time. Thankfully, none were physically harmed.

Who Were the Victims?

Kristen Brown (41)

• A dedicated educator and mother.
• Held a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education Foundations from the University of Minnesota.
• Certified in vision therapy.
• Opened Brown Bear Childcare in 2019, a few months after Evie was born.
• Her goal: Help children "blossom into happy, intelligent, caring individuals."
• Ran a rich program: Music classes, cooking activities, and field trips to science museums and orchards.
• Licensed by the state since 2019; capacity for 10 children.
• Recent inspections (2023, 2024, 2025) found the daycare fully compliant.
• Had recently sent a letter to parents stating the daycare would close soon due to "relationship issues with Nathan."

Evie Brown (7)

• Kristen and Nathan’s daughter.
• The inspiration for her mother starting the daycare.

The Unnamed Relative (78)

• Killed earlier the same day in Burnsville.
• Identity and specific relationship withheld by police pending notification.

Key Facts & Important Details

Important Points to Understand

• No Prior Police History: Authorities confirmed there were no previous police calls to the Hopkins home address.
• Motive Unknown: Police have not released any information about a potential motive for the killings.
• Investigation Ongoing: The Hennepin County search warrant was released Thursday; Hopkins police stated they are still investigating.
• Witness Bravery: The parent who heard screams, realized the danger, called 911, and escaped with four children total likely prevented further tragedy.
• Community Impact: This has deeply shaken the Hopkins community and the families who trusted Brown Bear Childcare.

Help Is Available Right Now

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out immediately. You are not alone.

• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (USA): Call or Text 988 (Available 24/7, free, confidential)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741**
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or Text START to 88788**
• 988 Lifeline Online Chat: 988lifeline.org
• In an emergency, always call 911.

Summary

A devastating act of domestic violence occurred Wednesday at a trusted, licensed home daycare in Hopkins, Minnesota. Nathan Brown, 41, killed his wife Kristen (41), their daughter Evie (7), and a 78-year-old relative in Burnsville before taking his own life. Six other children at the daycare were physically unharmed thanks to the quick action of a parent who witnessed the attack. Kristen Brown was a highly qualified, dedicated educator who ran a compliant, enriching program. The motive remains unknown, and the investigation is active. This tragedy underscores the critical importance of accessible mental health and domestic violence resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Was the daycare operating legally?

Yes. Brown Bear Childcare was state-licensed since 2019 with a capacity of 10 children. State inspections in 2023, 2024, and 2025 found it in full compliance.

2. Were any other children hurt?

No. Six other children were present in the basement daycare at the time. Authorities confirmed none were physically harmed. A parent dropping off children heard the attack, called 911, and evacuated with four children.

3. Did the police know about problems at this home before?

No. Authorities explicitly stated there was no history of police calls to the Hopkins address.

4. Why did the daycare close?

Kristen Brown had recently sent a letter to parents informing them the daycare would soon close. She cited "relationship issues with Nathan" as the reason.

5. Where can I get help if this news is upsetting or if I’m in a similar situation?

Please use the resources in the box above (988, Crisis Text Line, Domestic Violence Hotline). They are free, confidential, and available 24/7. Talking to a professional can make a huge difference.