SW Minnesota Community Dealing With Teen Murder/Suicide Case

Arco, MN (Learfield News Service) -  A small community in southwest Minnesota is still in shock after the deaths of two teens in an apparent murder-suicide.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says the bodies of 18-year-old Christian Muecke and 19-year-old Jacob Peterson were discovered early Saturday in a home near Arco. The Ramsey County medical examiner determined that Peterson died of homicide from a gunshot wound and Muecke died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies say a shotgun was recovered at the scene.

Muecke was a senior at Russell-Tyler-Ruthton High School and Peterson was a 2017 grad.

RTR Superintendent David Marlette says crisis teams and counselors will be at the school this week. Sheriff Chad Meester says they’re conducting a thorough investigation of all the events leading up to that day.

 If you or someone you know are in crisis and need immediate emergency assistance, call 9-1-1 or Crisis Response of SE Minnesota at (844) 274-7472. Crisis Response provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Click here for information about other mental health services available in the SE Minnesota area.