Minneapolis, MN — What should have been an ordinary Monday turned into an unspeakable tragedy for Trisha Prinsen of Minneapolis, who is now mourning the loss of her 2-year-old daughter, Kinsley, and her partner — both killed in a horrifying act of violence that unfolded before her eyes.
Prinsen says her boyfriend, in the grip of a severe mental health crisis, fatally shot their toddler daughter before taking his own life at their home on the 2900 block of Colfax Avenue North. The child, described by her mother as her “beautiful angel,” died as she tried to hug her father.
“He believed people were living under the house,” Trisha told FOX 9. “He thought he was being watched. And as Kinsley went to hug him… he shot her.”
Authorities responded to the residence Monday to find Kinsley and the man, said to be in his 50s, both dead from gunshot wounds. His identity has not yet been made public.
Prinsen, who survived the ordeal, said they were being held hostage inside the home when the unimaginable happened. She has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses, stating:
“I’m trying to deal with this one minute at a time, grieving the loss of my beautiful 2-year-old daughter and the loss of my significant other.”
As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had gathered approximately $2,500.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara issued a statement in response to the tragedy:
“This is an unimaginable, heartbreaking tragedy. Our hearts are with the child’s mother as she faces an overwhelming loss, and with the officers and investigators who responded to such a devastating scene.”
Prinsen said she chose to speak publicly to raise awareness about the signs and dangers of untreated mental illness. She expressed deep regret that she didn’t know she could have texted 911 — a simple action that, she now believes, might have changed the outcome.
In the days since the tragedy, community members have begun to rally around Prinsen, offering condolences, prayers, and support. Still, the depth of her grief — and the trauma of witnessing such violence — remains beyond words.
“She just wanted to hug her dad,” Prinsen said quietly. “And now she’s gone.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support, 24/7. Texting 911 is also available in many locations — including Minnesota — for emergency situations where calling is unsafe.