UPDATE, 6:55 p.m. Friday: Faribault police have identified the two individuals found shot to death as Richard “Dick” Larson, 61, and his ex-wife, Barbara Larson, 59. Richard Larson apparently shot Barbara and then himself. Richard Larson was a retired Faribault police officer. I remember him. A harassment restraining order was served on him earlier this week.
Their identity does not surprise me as I quickly connected the dots.
About a week ago, Barb Larson was interviewed by local KDHL radio station personality Gordy Kosfeld about Chamber activities. You can view that interview by clicking here.
I am deeply saddened by this act of domestic violence. A restraining order is no guarantee of protection. Something has to change.
WE ARE A COMMUNITY SHAKEN.
This afternoon, a man and a woman were found dead behind a desk at the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office in an apparent murder-suicide, according to police.
I am still trying to comprehend this violent tragedy, the second such in just 12 days. On December 11, a 33-year-old man and an 8-year-old girl died of gunshot wounds in a murder-suicide in a residential neighborhood of Faribault.
At this point, just hours after the bodies were found, information is limited to early media reports and a news release from the Faribault Police Department. That release states officers found a firearm at the scene and that the public is not at risk.
Additionally, the release states that “No other Chamber employees were present or injured.” That leads me to conclude that at least one of the deceased is a Chamber employee. With a population of around 23,000, Faribault is a small enough city that our Chamber/tourism people are highly-visible and well-known.
I listened to a police audio on mnpoliceclips.com, which suggests the possible identities of the deceased.
I am sad, just incredibly sad. I have no other words than to advise all of you to hold close those you love.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Oh my goodness. Horrifying. Praying for you and your city…
Thank you. It’s difficult, especially since today’s tragedy was an act of domestic violence.
How tragic and what a sad day for the community! Words cannot adequately express what the pain of such an event brings to all. Prayers to everyone!
Thank you, Don.
For most of us this is the season of love, joy and peace. However, sadly it may be a time of great despair and depression for some who are at a critical juncture in life and the joyousness of the season cannot dissuade their demons from their actions!
Something like that…
This is Bad
Yes. Bad seems a fitting word.
my goodness what a terrible tragedy one never knows what drives some people to these horrific acts. Certainly despair and depression must be so overwhelming for someone to commit this senseless act.
We may never know. But more and more background info is coming out related to past allegations of domestic violence against Barbara Larson.
this is sadding news
Terrible tragedy.
Yes.
And for many with psychological/power abuse there are no external marks visible to substantiate the situation until an event occurs that is the consequence of this desperation. Both bad and sad……..at any time of the year but especially now.
You “get it” and are so correct on the “invisible” abuse.
I am so grateful for places like HOPE Center in Faribault which provide support, help, hope and more for those who are victims/survivors of domestic abuse/violence and those who love them.
On Tuesday, HOPE Center, along with the Faribault and Northfield police departments, the Minnesota Coalition Against Domestic Violence and others will raise the Live Free Without Violence flag in honor of Barb Larson. Breaks my heart that another flag is being raised.