A heart-wrenching tragedy has left a Minnesota community in deep shock. On June 9, 2025, a 2-year-old girl named Kinsley P. was fatally shot by her own father, 50-year-old S. Devery, in what police are calling a murder-suicide.
The child’s mother, Trisha P., witnessed the horrific moment but was not physically harmed. This sad event has brought attention to the importance of mental health support, especially for families dealing with emotional struggles.
What Happened That Night
Around 12:20 a.m., police were called to the family’s home after reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found the lifeless bodies of Devery and little Kinsley, both with gunshot wounds.
Police say Devery first shot his daughter and then killed himself. Trisha, the child’s mother, was in the home but could do nothing to stop the tragedy.
A Sudden Mental Health Crisis
According to Trisha, Devery had been struggling emotionally, especially after experiencing several personal losses. Although he had never acted violently before, Trisha noticed his behavior was changing.
On that tragic night, during what she described as an emotional breakdown, he pulled out a gun. Kinsley, who was just 2 years old, walked toward him with open arms. That’s when he shot her and then took his own life.
The Impact on Family and Police
Police Chief B. O’Hara called the event “unimaginable” and “heartbreaking.” First responders were deeply affected, and the whole community is in mourning. The case is being treated as a murder-suicide, and the medical examiner’s report is expected to confirm this soon.
Remembering Kinsley
After the tragedy, the family’s home turned into a memorial filled with candles, flowers, and soft toys in memory of Kinsley. Trisha described her daughter as a bright light who brought joy to everyone. “She was always happy and could cheer anyone up,” she said, remembering her child with love and tears.
A Mother’s Pain and Her Message
Though grieving, Trisha is urging others to take mental health seriously. She said she had told Devery many times to seek therapy, but he didn’t get the help he needed. “It’s going to take me a while to forgive him,” she said. “But I still love him.” Her words show the emotional pain that remains even after such a tragic loss.
The Bigger Picture
Community leaders are now using this case to highlight the importance of mental health awareness and support services. Mental health issues, if ignored, can lead to tragic consequences—not just for the person suffering, but also for their loved ones. Early support and proper treatment can save lives.