Anthony Nephew, a 46-year-old man from Minnesota, tragically ended his life after killing his wife, ex-partner, and two children on November 5, 2016, following the election of Donald Trump. Authorities mentioned that Nephew had been upset by Trump’s win and had struggled with mental health problems.
On November 5, police discovered the bodies of Nephew’s ex-partner, Erin Abramson, 47, and their 15-year-old son, Jacob, who were shot to death in their home. Later, they found Nephew’s wife, Kathryn, 45, and their 7-year-old son, Oliver, also shot to death in their nearby home.
Before the killings, Nephew had shared his political views online, including strong opposition to Trump and right-wing politics. In one post, he expressed fear of religious extremists harming him and his family. In another, he criticized Republicans, saying they made it harder for women to leave abusive relationships, referencing the show The Handmaid’s Tale.
Nephew also posted an image of political leaders, labeling Trump’s face with “hate” and the Democratic leaders’ faces with words like “hope” and “heal.” He hoped for better political candidates beyond the choices offered at the time.
In 2021, Nephew wrote an article discussing mental health struggles, saying that many people suffer in silence, without enough help. He pointed out that mental health is often ignored or misunderstood.
The authorities in Duluth, about 135 miles north of Minneapolis, have not yet found a clear reason for the shootings but assured the public that there is no ongoing threat.
