Overview
- Irving Van Marsaw, 53, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder with intent and remains in Anoka County custody after a first court appearance.
- During the hearing, the judge referenced his high public-safety risk in setting unconditional bail at $5 million, and Marsaw told the court the case was a "bunch of lies."
- A child called 911 around 12:52 a.m. on March 18 to report the shootings; siblings fled to a neighbor for help while responders found Jennifer Sue Marsaw, 44, dead and her son, Marzai Andrew Dawson, 5, gravely wounded.
- Autopsies found both victims were shot at close range, and investigators recovered a 9mm handgun near where Marsaw was apprehended in a wooded area with K-9 assistance.
- Court records describe a documented pattern of abuse, including restraining orders and a March 3 assault in which Jennifer reported being strangled; a warrant was filed March 17 and the multi-agency investigation continues.