HOPKINS, MN – A young woman’s life was cut short over the weekend in Hopkins, after her boyfriend allegedly shot her in the head while she was sitting in bed, authorities said.
Emergency crews arrived at an apartment on Saturday night following a call that someone had been shot. Inside, they found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound above her eye. Despite efforts to save her, medics pronounced her dead at the scene.
According to investigators, the victim was with her boyfriend, 20-year-old Krystofer Brooks, at the time of the shooting. Police reports state that Brooks told officers he was handling his firearm and believed it to be unloaded when the weapon discharged in her direction.
Officials say the woman was sitting upright in bed when the incident occurred. There was no indication she was involved in any confrontation or threatening behavior at the time. The bullet struck her at close range, inflicting fatal injuries almost instantly.
When police arrived, they found Brooks at the kitchen table, visibly upset and with blood on his hands. Officers took him into custody without incident. Authorities noted that he appeared distraught, reportedly weeping as they processed the scene.
According to court documents, Brooks described taking a THC edible earlier in the evening and reacting to what he thought were gunshots outside the apartment. He reported loading his gun “for protection” but claimed to have removed the magazine before handling it later.
During his interview with investigators, Brooks admitted uncertainty about whether he had fully unloaded the weapon before pulling the trigger. He also acknowledged not attempting to provide first aid to his girlfriend, explaining that he believed her injuries were unsurvivable.
First responders did all they could to revive the victim, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Her identity has not been publicly released, but friends and neighbors in the tight-knit community described her as someone with great promise whose life ended far too soon.
Brooks is currently being held in Hennepin County Jail on charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter, with bond set at $500,000. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Wednesday.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. The tragedy has left loved ones grieving and raised questions about firearm safety and accountability in the home.