The Roseville Police Department continues investigating a tragic incident that occurred Wednesday afternoon, after a man and woman were found deceased inside a parked vehicle outside the Best Buy store located on County Road B2 in Roseville, Minnesota. Family members have since identified the victims as 37-year-old David Cotter of Minneapolis and his wife, Shantell, 35, of Saint Paul.
Authorities were dispatched to the parking lot at approximately 1:57 p.m. when a customer called police to report an unresponsive couple inside a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located both individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite emergency response efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators recovered a firearm inside the vehicle. Based on preliminary evidence and early investigative findings, authorities believe this was a murder-suicide involving only the two individuals in the vehicle. Officials have stated there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Loved ones say David and Shantell had been married for more than 13 years and were the parents of four children. Family members are now faced with unimaginable grief while working to support the children left behind. Relatives describe the couple as loving parents whose lives were centered around raising their family.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting Roseville Police with evidence processing and investigative review. Detectives continue to examine circumstances leading up to the fatal incident, including recent relationship struggles that family members confirmed the couple had been experiencing.
At this stage, law enforcement has not publicly released official identification pending final verification, though multiple family members have confirmed the identities publicly.
Officials urge anyone who may have seen the couple prior to the shooting or who may have relevant information to contact investigators as they continue working to determine a full timeline of events.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Further updates will be released as information is confirmed by Roseville authorities.