The two people found dead in a vehicle outside the Best Buy store in Roseville on Wednesday have been identified by family members as David Cotter of Minneapolis and his wife, Shantell, of Saint Paul. Loved ones say the couple had been married for more than 13 years and were parents to four children.
David Cotter and Shantell dies
Roseville police responded to the Best Buy parking lot in the 1600 block of County Road B2 at approximately 1:57 p.m. after a customer reported seeing two unresponsive individuals inside a parked vehicle. When officers arrived, they discovered a man and a woman inside the vehicle with gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police confirmed that a firearm was recovered inside the vehicle. Based on early findings, investigators do not believe anyone else was involved and say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
While authorities officially determined the manner of death as murder-suicide, family members and investigators are treating the incident as a murder-suicide. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting Roseville Police with the investigation and forensic processing of the scene. David shot and killed Shantell before turning the weapon on himself.
The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released by law enforcement, and officials say they are working closely with the family during this difficult time. The couple was said to be having a rough time in their relationship, and Shantell wanted out.
Family and Community Impact
Friends and relatives describe David and Shantell as devoted parents whose lives were deeply rooted in family. Loved ones are now rallying to support the couple’s four children as they cope with the sudden tragedy.
Investigation Ongoing
Detectives are continuing to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and are urging anyone with information to contact authorities.
