Rebecca “Becky” Lee Carlsrud, 61, a white female, was found dead on August 29, 2019, at her rural home near Gary in Norman County, Minnesota. Deputies were dispatched after a call to the sheriff’s office at about 5:05 p.m., and when they arrived they discovered two people deceased at the residence. The location and timing were confirmed by local reporting that described an active investigation by the Norman County Sheriff’s Office that evening.
Investigators determined that Becky had been shot by her husband, Duane Carlsrud, 62, inside their home. After killing Becky, Duane also shot and killed the family’s pet before turning the gun on himself. Authorities stated that both died of gunshot wounds, and the case was treated as a domestic murder-suicide.
Public remembrances and obituary notices placed the couple at their home near Gary and documented the sudden loss, noting community plans for a time of remembrance in early September 2019. Memorial pages and funeral home records further corroborated Becky’s identity and the date and place of her death.
Law enforcement identified Duane Carlsrud as the sole perpetrator. Because he died by suicide at the scene, there were no arrests. Officials continued their review as a murder-suicide and did not announce any search for additional suspects.
In the years that followed, a civil court filing shows the trustee for Becky’s heirs pursued settlement proceedings with the personal representative of Duane’s estate, reflecting legal steps taken on behalf of her next of kin after the homicide. The petition to approve distribution of settlement proceeds was filed in Norman County District Court in February 2022.
