On May 8, 2021, 25-year-old Noelle Ness was tragically killed in her family home in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The incident occurred around 2:20 p.m. when Carver County sheriff's deputies responded to a fire alarm at the residence. While en route, they received additional information about a shooting at the same location. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Noelle Ness had been shot 18 times in her bedroom, surrounded by hundreds of spent shell casings.
The suspect in this case is Noelle's younger brother, 21-year-old Joseph Thomas Ness. He was initially charged with second-degree intentional murder but was later indicted by a grand jury on a charge of first-degree premeditated murder. Joseph Ness was arrested and remains in custody with bail set at $6 million. The motive for the crime remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Ness family home, located near Lake Minnewashta, was found with several rifles and ammunition, and windows had been shot out with bullets lodged in the walls. Noelle and Joseph both lived at home with their parents, Paul and Alyssa Ness. On the day of the incident, Alyssa Ness ran to a neighbor's house for help after the shooting began, and it was the neighbor who placed the 911 call.
Noelle Ness was remembered as an avid competitive dancer who participated in numerous competitions. Her death left a significant impact on her community, with many mourning the loss of what they described as a 'sweet, innocent soul'.
