We Remember 2024
We Remember is a memorial to Minnesota’s victims of intimate partner homicide. Each of these victims is someone’s child, parent, sibling, family member, intimate partner, friend, neighbor, or co-worker.
Sandra Wilson Goertz
Age 81
Lake Benton
January 4, 2024
Sandra Wilson Goertz, 81, was shot and killed by her husband, Irwin Goertz, 80, in their Lake Benton home on January 4. Irwin shot Sandra multiple times before killing himself.
Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and Adam Finseth
Ages 27, 27, 40
Burnsville
February 18, 2024
Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27, and Adam Finseth, 40, were shot and killed in Burnsville by Shannon Gooden, 38, while responding to a 911 call "regarding an alleged sexual assault allegation," on the morning of February 18. When officers arrived, Gooden barricaded himself in a bedroom and refused to come out. After a period of attempted negotiation failed, Gooden began shooting and exchanged gunfire with police. During this exchange, Gooden shot and killed Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and nonfatally shot another officer. Adam Finseth was killed while attempting lifesaving measures on one of the officers. Gooden then shot and killed himself. Gooden had a history of intimate partner violence and abuse. Two women who had children with Gooden filed for orders for protection against him, one in 2017, and another in 2020. In the 2017 petition, the woman stated Gooden headbutted her, causing a concussion and black eyes, and threw her down the stairs. She also said he had a history of being “emotionally and physically abusive from the very beginning," and the police were called to their residence on multiple occasions. The petition for this order was dismissed when the woman did not appear for a court hearing. The woman who filed the 2020 order for protection said Gooden caused her to fall down stairs while he cut her clothes with a knife. She also said she believed Gooden would kill her. The judge in that case dismissed the petition due to a "lack of proof" of abuse. After a 2007 conviction for assault, Gooden was prohibited to possess firearms for life. He petitioned the court in 2020 to rescind this restriction, but was denied. Seven of Gooden's children, along with his current partner, were in the Burnsville home when he shot and killed Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and Adam Finseth. Some of the children witnessed Gooden kill himself. Adam Finseth and Paul Elmstrand each leave behind two minor children.
David Joseph Nanovic
Age 45
Credit River
March 4, 2024
David Joseph Nanovic, 45, was shot and killed in his girlfriend’s home in Credit River on March 4, 2024. His girlfriend Jennifer Lieber, 45, is charged with second degree murder. On the night of March 4th police were called to Lieber’s home by her ex-husband for a welfare check, where they encountered Lieber, with Lieber stating that she had “really f##ked up.” Deputies then found David’s body in the home. David’s minor son stated that he, Lieber, and David were watching TV when Lieber, who had been drinking all night, “became very agitated” and grabbed a handgun, which she pointed at them throughout the night while threatening to kill them and calling David racial slurs. David and his son later left the main house to go to the pool house. Lieber’s two minor children, who were present for part of the night, then told David that Lieber was “acting crazy.” While attempting to return to the main house, David approached with his hands up and his son reported this was the last time he saw his father before police found his body. The medical examiner determined David died of a gunshot wound to the forehead. David and his son had been living in Lieber’s home since 2022 and at some point David and Lieber had begun a romantic relationship. The son reported that living in Lieber’s home was like “living in hell” and that Lieber had a history of physically and verbally abusing David. David Joseph Nanovic is survived by his minor son.
Allisa Marie Vollan
Age 27
Duluth
March 22, 2024
Allisa Marie Vollan, 27, was killed in her boyfriend’s home in Duluth on March 22, 2024. Her boyfriend Dale Howard, 25, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, with one count citing his violation of a then-active no contact order. Further analysis regarding Allisa’s cause of death is pending, although a preliminary report indicates that her injuries are potentially consistent with smothering. Howard had previously been arrested and charged with domestic assault on March 9th after a neighbor reported him kicking Allisa in the head and slamming her head in the door. Allisa told officers on scene that day that Howard demonstrated jealousy over her past relationships, had previously been violent with her and had called her gendered slurs, and had previously threatened her about a dozen times. On March 12th a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order was issued, prohibiting Howard from having contact with Allisa. They had been dating for five months.
Allisa’s family stated that she grew up in Duluth and graduated from Denfeld High School. Her family shared that she had “an abundance of great friends that stuck with her through life. She always looked forward to her next adventures and the new friends she could meet. She’s loved and remembered by all of her family and friends.”
Toumai Gaynor
Age 21
St. Paul
May 30, 2024
Toumai Gaynor, 21, was shot and killed in St. Paul on May 30, 2024. Martavious Roby-English, 21, faces second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder charges. Roby-English’s ex-girlfriend had been in a car with Toumai that night. She told police that Roby-English had grown progressively more upset that she wasn’t coming over and was angry that she had turned her location off as “it was a sign of mistrust.” At one point Roby-English sent his ex-girlfriend a text threatening to walk over and shoot her. His ex-girlfriend and a witness stated that Roby-English eventually ran up to the car she was in with Toumai and repeatedly yelled “Get out of the car or I will kill you” before shooting, killing Toumai. After the shooting, Roby-English claimed to police that he had later learned Toumai had been dating his ex-girlfriend. Prosecutors believe he was attempting to kill his ex-girlfriend during the shooting. Roby-English has a history of assault charges for prior shootings.
Amir Demarion Harden
Age 8
Burnsville
June 9, 2024
Amir Demarion Harden, 8, was shot on June 5th in his Burnsville home and died in the hospital on Sunday, June 9th. His mother stated that his father Danair Harden, 30, was attempting to shoot and kill her when Amir tried wrestling the gun away from him and was then shot in the head and neck. Amir’s four siblings were present. Danair Harden was in court the morning before the shooting on charges that he had strangled Amir’s mother on May 30 after she tried to end their relationship after a history of abuse and control. He was released on bail about seven hours before the shooting.
Amir, a student at Echo Park Elementary, will be remembered as “a leader, a protector of his siblings," and “was known for his infectious smile and kind heart.”
Liara Kaylee Tsai
Age 35
Minneapolis
June 21, 2024
Liara Kaylee Tsai, 35, was killed in her home in Minneapolis on or about June 21, 2024 with sharp force injuries listed as her cause of death. Margot Lewis, 32, of Iowa, described as a former romantic partner of Liara’s, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder. Hours after Liara was killed in her home, investigators arrived at a crash scene on June 22 along Interstate 90 in Olmsted County, where Lewis had been speeding in the median before hitting a guardrail with Liara’s body in the backseat. When police arrived, they determined Liara’s death was not due to the crash and that Lewis had not attempted to avoid the guardrail. Liara’s former spouse told police that Lewis had flown in from Boston to stay with Liara for several days beginning June 21.
Trans women deserve to live full, joyful lives free from violence. Liara was a beloved member of the trans community in Minnesota and will be remembered for her work as a DJ and her activism as a volunteer for the Trevor Project and a crisis counselor for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Liara is described by loved ones as having a “magnetic personality,” with an “incredibly unique presence” who was an exceptionally talented artist. She had moved to Minneapolis from Iowa six weeks before her death and had just booked a show in Brooklyn that would be her biggest gig yet.
Patricia Ann Spitzmueller
Age 71
Minnetonka
July 18, 2024
Patricia Ann Spitzmueller, 71, was shot in the head and killed on July 18, 2024, in an apartment in Minnetonka. Authorities determined that Patricia’s husband Kenneth Spitzmueller, 76, shot and killed Patricia before killing himself. Patricia is described as a gifted textile artist and Spiritual Director who brought “a bright spark of light” to those around her, as well as endless creativity and warmth. She was widely admired for her award-winning quilt art. Patricia Ann Spitzmueller is survived by five children.
Jaelyn Nichole Walker
Age 14
Moorhead
August 20, 2024
Jaelyn Nichole Walker, 14, was stabbed and killed in Moorhead on or about August 20, 2024. Isaac Arndt, 18, described as Jaelyn’s ex-boyfriend, is charged with second-degree murder. Jaelyn was reported missing around 12:35am the day she was found. Following the missing persons report, police searched the area of her last known location, where they discovered her body on the banks of the Red River. Police found text messages between Jaelyn and Arndt agreeing to meet at Gooseberry Park in Moorhead at 7:30pm the night of August 19th. After telling several different versions of the story, Arndt finally admitted to police that he had stabbed Jaelyn approximately 13 times, cut her throat, and left her body by the river. Arndt told investigators that he and Jaelyn had “been in a relationship for several months” and had “recently broken up,” and that he knew she was no longer alive when he left the scene.
Jaelyn Nichole Walker is described by loved ones as “beautiful, blue eyed, fearless, and feisty” with a “beautiful voice” who loved singing, fishing, cats, anime, and spending time with her family.
Payao Vang
Age 27
Empire
August 25, 2024
Payao Vang, 27, was shot and killed in a field in Empire on August 25, 2024 by her husband Smith Coop Brown, 65, who then shot and killed himself. Brown’s son had become concerned when Payao and Brown did not return from a trip to their farm plot. Brown’s son and another family member went to the plot where they found Payao and Brown dead. A gun was discovered in Brown’s hand and another gun was found in his jacket. He had shot Payao in the head.
We remember Payao Vang.
Janet Louise Andersen
Age 82
Annandale
September 12, 2024
Janet Louise Andersen, 82, was stabbed and killed in her home in Annandale on September 12, 2024. Rodney Andersen, 85, Janet’s husband, is charged with 2nd-degree intentional homicide. Janet and Rodney Andersen were married for 65 years. Police were called to the home the morning of the 12th, where they found Janet’s body with several wounds to her abdomen. Rodney Andersen told police they “continuously argued” throughout their marriage and that they had “a big argument” starting around 7am that morning, during which he grabbed a knife in the kitchen and stabbed Janet before calling 911.
We remember Janet Louise Andersen.
Damara Alexis Kirkland
Age 35
St. Paul
October 19, 2024
Damara Alexis Kirkland, 35, was shot and killed in her North End St. Paul apartment on October 19, 2024. Kirkland’s ex-husband, Mychel Stowers, 36, is charged with intentional second-degree murder of Damara, and second-degree murder of an unborn child. Damara was estimated to be eight to nine weeks pregnant. Police found Damara lying in her bedroom on the night of October 19 after residents reported gunshots. Stowers also shot a man in the leg and stole his car shortly after killing Damara. On the day of the shooting, Stowers had been granted a pass to visit Damara from the halfway house he was living in. Damara and Stowers, who had married in December 2021, were in the middle of a divorce initiated in June. At the time of this writing, Stowers has not turned himself in. We remember Damara Alexis Kirkland.
Anonymous
October 22, 2024
This individual was killed on October 22, 2024 by a perpetrator fleeing police after committing an act of domestic violence against his former partner.
Lyle Maske
Age 62
Brainerd
November 1, 2024
Lyle Maske, 62, was fatally shot in Brainerd on November 1, 2024 after intervening in a domestic violence incident. Chad Aanerud, 35, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, five counts of kidnapping, two counts of second-degree assault, one count of first-degree arson, and one count of theft. Aanerud is suspected of sexually assaulting his pregnant ex-girlfriend in Brainerd on or around the night of October 31st after threatening to shoot her children if she did not engage in sexual activity. He then began dumping gasoline on her family members’ home, which later burned to the ground, and began taking firearms from the home. His ex-girlfriend asked her children to go down the road to Lyle’s home to ask for help. Aanerud fatally shot Lyle when he arrived to intervene. Aanerud then kidnapped his ex-girlfriend and her children at gunpoint and fled by vehicle as a statewide Amber Alert was sent out. He was eventually arrested on the morning of November 1st and his ex-girlfriend and children were recovered. Aanerud was legally prohibited from possessing firearms at the time he killed Lyle, and had a felony conviction for threats of violence against an ex-girlfriend in 2021.
Lyle Maske was described as “generous, compassionate, and helpful,” a “beautiful person inside and out,” and someone who “helped anybody and everybody and never asked for anything in return.” Lyle leaves behind four children and was also a grandfather.
Samantha Koehne
Age 38
Edgerton
November 2, 2024
Samantha Koehne, 38, died as a result of probable asphyxia on November 2, 2024 in a home in Edgerton. Joseph Benson, 35, described as Samantha’s boyfriend, is charged with second-degree murder. Police were called to the home in Edgerton on November 2nd, where Samantha and Benson were housesitting, after Benson told the homeowner he had killed Samantha. Police found Samantha with a cord wrapped around her legs and across her body. They also found a video of Benson following Samantha, in which she showed the camera bruises on her face that she stated were from him beating her.
Samantha Koehne, also known as “Panda,” was from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and was described by many people as an “amazing friend” who “brought light and joy into a room no matter what.” Multiple people described her as having a beautiful laugh. We remember Samantha Koehne.
Erin Abramson, Jacob Nephew, Kathryn "Kat" Ramsland, and Oliver Nephew
Ages 47, 15, 45, 7
Duluth
November 7, 2024
Erin Abramson, 47; her son Jacob Nephew, 15; Kathryn “Kat” Ramsland, 45; and her son Oliver Nephew, 7, were shot and killed on November 7, 2024 in their respective homes in Duluth. All four were killed by Anthony Nephew, 46, who was Erin’s ex-partner and the father of Jacob Nephew; and who was Kathryn’s husband and the father of Oliver Nephew. After shooting and killing both women and his sons, Nephew shot and killed himself.
Erin, who worked for the City of Superior, was a member of the Moms Run This Town (MRTT) group and made many friendships with other running moms. She was described as “the happiest person they’ve seen at five in the morning.” Her son Jacob was a “talented academic and generous spirit,” a musician who was involved in skiing, knowledge bowl, environmental advocacy, and much more at Marshall School.
Kathryn was a professor in the Art Department at Lake Superior College who loved coffee, plants, anime, and spending time with Oliver. Kathryn was described as a “passionate educator and esteemed colleague” who will leave a lasting impact on her art students. Her son Oliver was described as “a beacon of positivity” who established a “Free Toy Library” so children in his neighborhood had access to toys. Oliver loved sweets, his brother Jacob Nephew, dinosaurs, and his guinea pig and dog.
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Andrea "Drea" Broyld
Age 41
Red Wing
November 17, 2024
Andrea “Drea” Broyld, 41, was shot and killed inside a home in Red Wing on November 17, 2024. Darryl Nixon Jr., 41, is charged with one count of second-degree murder. Andrea was in a relationship with Nixon Jr. and they were issued a marriage license in August. Police were called to Nixon Jr.’s home on November 17 after Nixon Jr. allegedly informed the caller that Andrea had been shot and was “gone.” When police arrived, Nixon Jr. made more comments about shooting Andrea, and then locked himself in his residence, prompting a three hour standoff before surrendering. Andrea was then found dead inside the home. She had been shot 10 times. Andrea “Drea” Broyld, who worked at Starbucks, was described as “one of the nicest people ever, always greeting people with a smile and writing encouraging notes on your cup to start your day.”
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