A man killed his mom, his wife, and his 7-year-old girl on Wednesday. It happened in two Minnesota towns. Then he shot himself. Police confirmed the deaths.

The man was Nathan Matthew Brown. He was 41 years old. Police say he stabbed his mom first. Her name was Alice Anne Brown. She was 78. He killed her at her home in Burnsville. Then he drove to a daycare in Hopkins. His wife ran the daycare. He stabbed his wife there. Her name was Kristen Ann Brown. She was 41. He also stabbed their 7-year-old girl. He shot himself on the top floor of the house. Kristen's sister spoke to reporters. Her name is Kelly Jo Simons. She confirmed all four names.

This case matters to families everywhere. It happened at a home daycare. Parents trust daycares to keep kids safe. Six other small kids were inside when it happened. This shows how a family fight can turn into danger for a whole street.

Police got the first call just after 9 a.m. A dad was dropping off his two kids. The daycare is called Brown Bear Childcare. It sits on Tyler Avenue North. He walked to the back door, like he always did. He heard kids screaming inside. He opened the door. He saw Nathan Brown stabbing his wife and girl. This is from police case papers. The dad grabbed his own kids. He also grabbed two more kids. He ran outside and called 911.

Six more kids were inside the daycare. Hopkins Police Chief Brent Johnson said they were found safe. They were in the basement. That is where the daycare's front door is. All six kids went back to their families. Johnson said the kids were "all very, very young."

About three hours later, more police got a call. It came in at 12:30 p.m. This call was in Burnsville. It was near Maple Island Road. A family member found Alice Brown dead inside her home. Police say Nathan Brown had been living there with her.

Court papers give one more clue. Kristen Brown sent a note to daycare families two weeks before. She wrote she would close the daycare soon. She said it was because of "relationship issues with Nathan." Police have not said why he did this. Chief Johnson said they do not have a clear reason yet.

The daycare had a state license since 2019. It had no rule violations on record. State papers show this. It could care for up to 10 kids at once. Court records show Nathan Brown had no criminal record. He only had two small tickets. One was for fishing without a license. One was for driving a snowmobile without a permit.

Hopkins Mayor Patrick Hanlon spoke about the loss. "This city has shed a lot of tears today over this incident, over this immense loss," he said. He said the city will hold a vigil later. Burnsville Police Chief Matt Smith asked neighbors to support each other. "When tragedies like these happen, they affect entire communities," he said. "I ask we focus on our care and concern for each other."

A neighbor lives near the daycare. Her name is Amanda Marx. She saw police carry small kids away from the house. She said some looked as young as 1 year old.

Police are still working both crime scenes. They are looking for more clues. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office is helping. They are also giving support to the families. This includes the kids who were at the daycare that day.

Nathan Brown is dead. He will not face charges in court. Police are still trying to find out why he did this. Hopkins police said counselors are ready to help anyone who needs to talk.

Anyone who needs to talk to someone can call or text 988. It is free and private, day or night. Anyone facing abuse from a partner or family member can call the Minnesota Day One Hotline. That number is 866-223-1111.