Ashley Kittelson, 35, was fatally shot by her estranged husband Nicholas Kittelson, 44, in an apparent murder-suicide on March 6, 2026, at their home in International Falls, Minnesota. A Koochiching County deputy discovered the bodies after spotting Nicholas’s running vehicle and forcing entry due to a known protection order. Their 20-month-old son was found alone in Nicholas’s hotel room; investigation ongoing.
Prior Abuse and Release
Ashley filed for protection a month earlier, citing years of abuse, threats to her life, and Nicholas’s refusal to accept their September 2023 marriage’s end. Nicholas faced misdemeanor charges for violating the order but was released without bond on March 2, ordered to appear in court later.
Family Impact
Ashley, a nurse and mother of three, was remembered via GoFundMe as warm and generous; campaign raised over $47,000 toward $50,000 for the children by March 13. This tragedy highlights dangers of domestic violence—protection orders save lives, but enforcement gaps persist. Seek help via hotlines if needed.
