Authorities believe Ashley Kittelson, 35, was fatally shot by Nicholas Kittelson, 44, before he turned the gun on himself
Credit: GoFundMe
NEED TO KNOW
- A Minnesota mother was allegedly killed by her estranged husband days after he was released from jail without posting bond for violating a protection order she had recently filed against him
- Authorities believe Ashley Kittelson, 35, was fatally shot by Nicholas Kittelson, 44, before he turned the gun on himself
- In a GoFundMe campaign created in the wake of her death, Ashley was remembered as “a devoted mother of three young children, a compassionate nurse, and a friend to so many”
A Minnesota mother was allegedly killed by her estranged husband days after he was released from jail without posting bond for violating a protection order she had recently filed against him.
Ashley Kittelson, 35, and Nicholas Kittelson, 44, were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide on March 6. A deputy with the Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in International Falls early that morning after noticing a running vehicle in the driveway, The Minnesota Star Tribune, Northern News Now and WDIO reported.
The deputy, who was aware of a protection order between the vehicle’s owner and the resident, forced his way into the home and found the pair dead, Northern News Now reported. Investigators believe Nicholas shot Ashley before turning the gun on himself.
Amid the investigation, authorities found the pair's 20-month-old son alone in a hotel room where Nicholas had been staying, the Star Tribune reported, citing officials. The investigation reportedly remains ongoing.
According to court documents obtained by the Star Tribune, a month before the apparent murder-suicide, Ashley claimed in a petition for a protection order that Nicholas had been abusive during their marriage. The two married in September 2023.
"Nicholas has threatened my life many times,” she wrote, per the outlet. “He is not accepting that the marriage is over, and I fear for my safety.”
Nicholas later allegedly violated the order and was charged with several misdemeanors. A judge ordered his release from jail without bond at a March 2 bail hearing, with the expectation he would appear in court later, the Star Tribune reported.
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In a GoFundMe campaign created in the wake of her death, Ashley was remembered as "a devoted mother of three young children, a compassionate nurse, and a friend to so many."
"Anyone who knew her knew the warmth, kindness, and generosity she carried in her heart every single day," the fundraiser reads.
Loved ones noted they are "raising funds to help provide for the children as they navigate life after this tragedy."
As of Friday, March 13, the GoFundMe had raised more than $47,000, nearing its $50,000 goal.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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