On April 20, 2022, Sean Christopher Barry, age 47, was found dead in his home in Duluth, Minnesota. The incident was part of a tragic murder-suicide that also claimed the lives of his wife, Riana Lou Barry, age 44, and their two daughters, Shiway Elizabeth Barry, age 12, and Sadie Lucille Barry, age 9. The suspect, identified as Brandon Taylor Cole-Skogstad, age 29, was Sean Barry's nephew.
Cole-Skogstad had previously lived with the Barry family and had a history of mental health issues.
The Duluth Police Department responded to a welfare check initiated by the Hermantown Police Department after Cole-Skogstad sent a message to a family member indicating his intention to harm himself and his relatives. This message was also posted on social media. When officers arrived at the Barry residence, they heard a single gunshot, prompting them to retreat and call for backup. Upon entering the home, they discovered the bodies of the Barry family, Cole-Skogstad, and the family dog. All victims had been shot while they were sleeping.
A 9mm handgun was found near Cole-Skogstad's body, and the police confirmed that he was responsible for the deaths before taking his own life. There were no prior 911 calls or reports indicating any concerns about Cole-Skogstad's behavior. The Duluth Police Chief, Mike Tusken, expressed condolences to the Barry family and the community, emphasizing the impact of such a tragic event on the sense of safety in the neighborhood.
