LEXINGTON, Minn. — A familial dispute erupted into tragedy as a Minneapolis man is charged with the fatal shootings of his estranged partner and her young son. The events unfolded early on March 18, shortly after a heated argument that reportedly involved a knife, raising serious concerns about past threats and previous restraining orders related to the couple’s tumultuous relationship.
Investigators indicate that 53-year-old Irving Van Marsaw is facing two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of Jennifer Sue Marsaw, 44, and her 5-year-old son, Marzai Andrew Dawson. The incident highlights a troubling history between the couple, with court records detailing past conflicts that escalated into violence.
The scenario leading to the shootings started on the evening of March 17, when Jennifer Marsaw told Van Marsaw to leave her home after a dispute. According to a family member, Jennifer made it clear during the argument that she intended to take him to trial, prompting an alarming response from Van Marsaw. Just a few hours later, the atmosphere turned chaotic as their children returned home from an outing and heard multiple gunshots.
Witnesses reported that one child rushed back inside, encountering Van Marsaw exiting the home with a handgun. The children quickly sought help from a neighbor, expressing panic over what had just occurred. Authorities were alerted around 12:50 a.m. and arrived to find Jennifer with a gunshot wound to her chest. Marzai was still alive upon the first responders’ arrival but later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
A search involving K-9 units led police to Van Marsaw’s arrest shortly after the shootings. He was found in a wooded area close to the residence, where investigators later retrieved a 9 mm handgun. While in police custody, Van Marsaw reportedly made statements implying the shootings occurred in a moment of overwhelming emotion. The medical examiner confirmed the mother died from a close-range shot, while her son suffered a similar fate.
Tragically, this incident was not an anomaly but rather the culmination of a series of threats, including two restraining orders filed by Jennifer Marsaw in late 2025 and early 2026. In those documents, she described threats from Van Marsaw regarding her safety and the well-being of her children, raising alarm bells well before the deadly confrontation occurred.
Neighbors expressed shock at the violence that upended their serene community, recounting how children—some barefoot and shivering—knocked urgently on doors seeking help. Many residents were left grappling with the aftermath, as local organizations began providing support for those affected by the tragedy.
Van Marsaw is currently being held at the Anoka County Jail and is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on March 20, followed by another hearing on April 14. The investigation remains active, with law enforcement, the sheriff’s office, and medical examiners continuing to assess the situation and gather evidence.