A quiet neighborhood west of International Falls was shaken by a tragic domestic incident early Friday morning that left two people dead. Authorities say the case is being investigated as an apparent murder-suicide involving an estranged couple.

According to the Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office, the situation unfolded around 4:40 a.m. when a deputy on routine patrol noticed a vehicle running in the driveway of a home in the 4100 block of Highway 11 west of the city. The deputy recognized that the vehicle was linked to an active protection order involving the vehicle’s owner and the resident of the home, raising immediate concern.

After repeated attempts to make contact with anyone inside the residence were unsuccessful, deputies—along with an officer from the International Falls Police Department—forced entry into the home to conduct a welfare check. Inside, officers discovered two individuals who had died from gunshot wounds.

Authorities later identified the victims as Ashley E. Kittelson, 35, and Nicholas D. Kittelson, 44. Investigators say Ashley appeared to have died from a gunshot wound, while Nicholas suffered what officials described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Officials have indicated that the couple was estranged, and the evidence at the scene suggests the incident was domestic in nature. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office are assisting with the investigation as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Law enforcement officials have reassured residents that the event appears to be isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.