Minnesota Man with Mental Health Struggles, Anthony Nephew, Kills Family in Tragic Murder-Suicide
Minnesota Man with Mental Health Struggles: In a shocking incident, Minnesota resident Anthony Nephew fatally shot his wife, ex-partner, and two sons before taking his own life, according to authorities in Duluth. The tragic events unfolded after Nephew, 47, who had a history of mental health issues, posted a series of politically charged messages on social media, expressing anti-Trump sentiments and frustrations over religious and political issues.
Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa confirmed Nephew’s involvement in the deaths of his wife, Kathryn Nephew, 45, and their seven-year-old son, Oliver Nephew, who were found inside their family home with gunshot wounds. Nephew was also found dead in the residence from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, officials reported.
The investigation also led police to another home, where they discovered the bodies of Nephew’s ex-partner, Erin Abramson, 47, and their son, Jacob Nephew, 15, who had similarly suffered fatal gunshot injuries. Authorities are still working to determine a motive behind these tragic killings.
Nephew’s social media activity reveals a troubled state of mind in the months leading up to the incident. Known for posting anti-Trump content, he frequently expressed distress over politics and religious influences, which he believed contributed to his mental health struggles. In a July post, he wrote, “My mental health and the world can no longer peacefully coexist,” citing fears of religious zealotry and comparing his anxiety to dystopian scenarios, including references to The Handmaid’s Tale.
He also criticized Republicans in a separate post, commenting, “Gilead here we come,” and lamented what he saw as restrictions on women leaving toxic relationships. Other posts shared by Nephew juxtaposed images of former President Obama, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump, using contrasting words like “hope” and “hate” to symbolize his political leanings.
A long-time advocate for mental health awareness, Nephew previously wrote a letter to the Duluth News Tribune in 2021, warning about the dangers of untreated mental health issues, which can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes. In his words, “For millions of Americans, a breakdown leads to suicide—or homicide before suicide.”
