On Sunday, Inver Grove Heights police found three bodies while conducting a welfare check on the 3200 block of 78th Street E. On Tuesday, police announced that 22-year-old Jaymison Samuel Shaw apparently killed his mother, 43-year-old Jamie Lee Charles, and his brother, 19-year-old William Samuel Shaw Jr., in a double murder suicide.
“This is a deeply tragic and heartbreaking event,” read a statement from Police Chief Melissa Chiodo. “The Inver Grove Heights Police Department recognizes the profound grief this incident has caused for the community, especially for the family and loved ones of those involved.”
Memorial
People crowded South Valley Park in Inver Grove Heights on Monday night for a memorial. They held candles, released balloons, prayed, and several family members spoke.
“We want people to know, if they’re going through something mentally in life, go get the help you need because we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors,” said Natja Shaw, an uncle of the Shaw brothers, according to the Pioneer Press. “These kids were loved by a lot of people.”
“Mental health is not a joke,” added Ozell Shaw, a great aunt of the brothers and a bereavement coach.
The family did not discuss specific mental health concerns and Jaymison Shaw had no apparent criminal history.
An online fundraiser to help the family with funeral expenses, started by Charles’ niece Polly Morgan, had raised nearly $40,000 toward a $45,000 goal as of Wednesday morning.
“There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing three precious lives,” wrote Morgan. “Each of them touched the lives of so many people and brought their own unique love, joy, and memories into our family and community. Their absence has left a space that can never be filled.”
Need Help?
“If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, struggling with thoughts of suicide, or needing support, help is available,” read the police statement. The suicide and crisis line is 988, the Dakota County Crisis line is 952.891.7171, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota can be reached at 1.800.273.8255.
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