Brooklyn Rose Short, a 14-year-old Caucasian female, was a freshman at Minnetonka High School with a promising future. She was an honor student and a member of the National Honor Society who applied her characteristic drive and determination to soccer and gymnastics. Remembered for her sweet nature and infectious love for life, she enjoyed theater and performing and aspired to make a positive impact on the world.
The lives of Brooklyn and her family were cut short in a tragic event on
September 10, 2015, in the quiet city of Excelsior, Minnesota. She, her mother Karen, and her older siblings, Cole and Madison, were found deceased in their home. Investigators determined they had been shot in their bedrooms as they slept. The devastating act was carried out by their father, Brian Short, who then died by suicide.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office confirmed that Brooklyn and her family all died from shotgun wounds to the head, and her father's death was self-inflicted. As the suspect in the murders was also deceased, no arrests were made. While a definitive motive remains elusive, it was reported that Brian Short had been struggling with his business and was experiencing anxiety and depression. The loss of the entire family sent shockwaves through the community.
