Man Charged in Circle Pines Double Homicide That Left Woman, Child Dead
Published: March 19th, 2026 |
ANOKA COUNTY MN: A man has been charged in connection with a double homicide that left a woman and a 5-year-old child dead early Wednesday in Circle Pines, according to a criminal complaint filed in Anoka County.
Irving Van Marsaw, 53, of Minneapolis, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder with intent, not premeditated.
According to the complaint, officers were dispatched at approximately 12:52 a.m. on March 18, 2026, to the 9300 block of Ryan Place on a report of a shooting.
A child who called 911 reported that her mother and brother had been shot by a man identified as “Irving.” Officers identified the suspect as Van Marsaw based on prior contacts and the description provided.
Officers arriving at the scene located an adult woman with apparent gunshot wounds to the chest. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A 5-year-old child was also found with multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
The complaint states a child witness had briefly left the home with siblings and returned shortly before the shooting. As they approached, they heard multiple loud “pops.” The witness reported seeing Van Marsaw exit the home holding a handgun before running from the area.
Moments later, another child ran from the home and said their mother and younger brother had been shot. The children then fled to a nearby residence to call 911.
Law enforcement established a perimeter and, with the assistance of a K-9 unit, located Van Marsaw hiding in a wooded area nearby. He was taken into custody at approximately 1:33 a.m., according to the complaint.
Investigators later recovered a 9mm handgun in a wooded area along what was described as his path of flight.
According to the complaint, Van Marsaw made statements while in custody referencing the incident and suggesting it occurred “in the heat of passion.”
The complaint also outlines prior alleged domestic incidents, including claims that Van Marsaw had previously assaulted the woman and threatened to kill her earlier this month. On March 17, the day before the shooting, the woman reportedly forced him to leave the home following an argument involving a knife.
Autopsy results cited in the complaint indicate the woman died from a gunshot wound to the chest, and the child died from a gunshot wound to the back. Investigators also recovered spent bullets and an unspent round near the victims.
The charges have not yet been proven in court.