In the quiet city of Duluth, Minnesota, a heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded on April 20, 2022, claiming the life of 12-year-old Shiway Elizabeth Barry, a Caucasian female. What began as a welfare check at a home on East 12th Street would soon reveal a scene of unimaginable loss that shook the community to its core. The events of that day brought to light a devastating act of violence that cut short the lives of an entire family.
Concern had been growing for a 29-year-old man, Brandon
Taylor Cole-Skogstad, who was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis. A family member had received a disturbing message from him, suggesting he intended to harm himself and others. This prompted police to visit the home of his aunt and uncle, Sean and Riana Barry. Upon their arrival, officers heard what they believed to be a single gunshot, leading them to establish a perimeter and deploy tactical resources.
Once inside the residence, authorities made a grim discovery. They found the bodies of Shiway, her 9-year-old sister Sadie, and their parents, 47-year-old Sean and 44-year-old Riana Barry. All four family members, along with their dog, had been shot and killed in their sleep. The suspect, Cole-Skogstad, was also found deceased at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The investigation concluded that the incident was a murder-suicide. It was revealed that prior to the killings, Cole-Skogstad had posted a confession on social media, expressing his intent to take his own life and the lives of his relatives. In his chilling message, he referred to his young cousins as "sweet, beyond angelic." A single 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene, believed to be the weapon used in the killings. Due to the suspect's death, no arrests were made in connection with this tragic loss of life.
