Janet Vercruysse Obituary St. Cloud, Minnesota: Waite Park, MN — Authorities have released new information surrounding the tragic murder-suicide that unfolded Saturday afternoon in a residential neighborhood in Waite Park, leaving two adults dead and two young children fleeing for safety.

According to the Waite Park Police Department, the incident occurred around 2:12 p.m. on April 12, 2025, in the 200 block of 10th Avenue North. Officers, who were already in the area on an unrelated matter, heard gunshots coming from a nearby home. They immediately alerted Stearns County Dispatch and moved to respond.

Moments later, two children — ages 5 and 8 — were seen running from the residence, confirming to officers that a shooting had taken place inside the home. The children were safely secured in a squad car as officers approached and entered the home.

Inside, police discovered the bodies of Janet Vercruysse, 36, of Waite Park, and Demico Elyea-Goss, 29, of St. Cloud. Both adults were pronounced dead at the scene. Multiple firearms were found in the home, prompting the Waite Park Police Department to request assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Crime Scene Team.

Preliminary autopsy results released by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office have confirmed the nature of the deaths. Janet Vercruysse died from multiple gunshot wounds, and her manner of death has been ruled a homicide. Demico Elyea-Goss, meanwhile, died from a gunshot wound to the head, with his manner of death ruled as suicide.

Authorities have confirmed this was a murder-suicide, and there is no threat to the public.

The Waite Park Police Department received extensive support from multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies, including the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, St. Cloud Police Department, St. Joseph Police, Sartell Police, Cold Spring Police, Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Mayo Ambulance, and the Minnesota BCA.

No officers discharged their weapons during the response, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The names of the children have not been released, and authorities have not shared details about their current custody status in an effort to protect their privacy.

Community members are mourning the loss and expressing concern for the well-being of the children involved. Grief counselors and support services are being made available to those affected by this tragedy.