Gene Bartnes’ coworkers knew something was wrong when he didn’t show up for work on March 30, 2026. His brother went to check on him and made a horrific discovery. He reported that Bartnes was dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Lying next to him was his 3-year-old son, Koltyn, also deceased. The Becker County Sheriff’s Office determined the Minnesota father and son died in a murder-suicide, leaving family and friends devastated.
Bartnes had a troubled past.
Kristi Frazier, Koltyn’s mother and Bartnes’ ex, told KVLY that Bartnes had a history of mental illness. He’d stopped by her residence a few days before the tragedy unfolded. Frazier never expected anything like this from Bartnes.
“My landlord, when Gene was here, when he talked to Gene, he said that he seemed off,” she told the news outlet.
Bartnes recently completed three years of unsupervised probation from a 2023 domestic assault conviction, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. He reportedly punched his fiancée’s 17-year-old son at the same location where police found him deceased.
Bartnes allegedly shot Koltyn in his sleep.
Frazier said Bartnes killed their son and did something heartbreaking. “I stood up, and just fell. I couldn’t even move… they said Koltyn was shot in the back when he was sleeping, and then his dad crawled into bed next to him and shot himself in the chest,” she shared.
She also said Bartnes left three suicide notes behind, but due to the ongoing investigation, she did not read them.
“One was an apology, one was for law enforcement, and one was addressed to me,” Frazier said, per KVLY.
Loved ones created a fundraiser for Frazier.
Frazier, who has worked as a day care provider in the Detroit Lakes area for years, is beloved by her community. They’ve banded together to help her through this very challenging time.
“Kristi has been more than just a daycare provider—she has been a safe place, a second home, and truly a second mom to so many kids. She has been a constant source of love, care, and comfort for my own little girl, as well as for many other kids in our community,” a GoFundMe post reads.
“Every day, she pours her heart into caring for others—nurturing, showing up, and creating an environment where children feel deeply loved and valued. Now, it’s our turn to surround her with that same love,” the fundraiser page adds.
The campaign has raised nearly $10,000 thus far.
Koltyn will be fondly remembered by all who loved him.
His sister, Kimberlynn Carignan, shared a letter she wrote for her brother with KVYL.
“Rest in Peace, Koltyn Wayne Bartnes. I love you so so much,” the sweet sister read. “There was never a frown when you weren’t home with mommy… We all wish we could say goodbye. We love you and miss you very much, there will never be a time that we don’t.”
Mental illness is real, and it silently affects so many. Taking your own life is tragic, but taking an innocent child with you is unconscionable. Hopefully, Koltyn’s family will always feel his spirit with them.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
