Jonathon Michael Kaupa faces charges of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder for the January 10, 2026, stabbing at Equinox Apartments in St. Anthony, Minnesota.​
Incident Details
Police responded around 5 a.m. to a hallway stabbing, finding 44-year-old maintenance worker John Ramon Tongson dead from multiple sharp-force injuries to the neck and upper body. His 15-year-old son suffered over 20 stab wounds to the chest, neck, and head, requiring hospitalization at Hennepin County Medical Center. The teen identified Kaupa, his across-the-hall neighbor, as the attacker after hearing power tool noises and confronting him.​
Suspect Actions
Kaupa fled using a rope from his balcony, then took a rideshare, lying in snow while bloodied and claiming “fish guts” on his phone. The driver, disturbed, alerted police; dashcam confirmed his identity. He borrowed his parents’ Mercedes, was spotted in Duluth, fled a traffic stop, crashed, and was arrested.​
Charges and Background
Charged on January 10 in Ramsey County, Kaupa is held on $5 million bail at the Adult Detention Center, with a court date set for January 15. His father reported mental health issues, recent paranoia about the victim entering his apartment, and amphetamines found in his vehicle; no clear motive stated. Conviction could mean up to 40 years for murder and 20 for attempted murder.
