In Duluth, Minnesota, a young life was tragically cut short on April 20, 2022, in a devastating event that claimed the lives of an entire family. Nine-year-old Sadie Lucille Barry, a white female, was killed alongside her older sister and parents in their East Hillside neighborhood home. The tranquility of their residence was shattered in an act of violence that unfolded as the family slept.
The person responsible for the deaths of Sadie, her 12-year-old sister Shiway Elizabeth Barry,
her 44-year-old mother Riana Lou Barry, and her 47-year-old father Sean Christopher Barry, was identified as their 29-year-old relative, Brandon Taylor Cole-Skogstad. Authorities discovered that Cole-Skogstad had sent a message to a family member indicating his intent to harm himself and others, which prompted a welfare check at the Barry's home. In a disturbing Facebook post, he had also written about his struggles with mental illness.
Upon their arrival at the residence, Duluth police officers heard a single gunshot. This led to a tactical operation, and upon entering the home, they found a tragic scene. Sadie and her family members were found deceased in their beds, all having suffered gunshot wounds. Their family dog was also found killed. The investigation concluded that Cole-Skogstad had shot his relatives before taking his own life. A 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene near his body. As the perpetrator died by suicide at the scene, no arrests were made in connection with the murders.
