2 Minn. Teachers Were Found Slain. Police Say It Was Murder-Suicide, and Man Was Going Through Divorce By Lesley Cosme Torres

Two former Minnesota teachers who were dating were found dead in what authorities are calling a murder-suicide. 

The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office say that 32-year-old Crystal Marschel was shot and killed by her boyfriend, 34-year-old John Gans, on July 18, according to a statement from the department. 

Gans then turned the gun on himself, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies found the couple dead at the scene. A .40 caliber handgun was also recovered on site.

Authorities showed up to the home for a welfare check because Marschel was supposed to be in court that day for a driving while impaired charge but never showed up, the St. Cloud Times reported. 

Gans, who was going through a divorce, was also supposed to be in court on July 18 for a hearing, the outlet reported.

According to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, Marschel died from a gunshot wound to the head, while Gans’ death was ruled a suicide.

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Brad Bergstrom, the Sauk Rapids-Rice Superintendent, told the St. Cloud Times that Gans taught math at their middle school from 2013 to 2024, while Marschel taught middle school physical education from 2019 to 2024. 

Marschel’s loved ones have created a GoFundMe page to support Marschel’s two children, who are three and five years old, along with their father. 

The fundraiser described Marschel as being a warm, vibrant soul who “loved fiercely” and always put her children at the center of her world. 

“We are heartbroken to share the devastating loss of Crystal, a loving young mother whose life was tragically cut short due to domestic violence. Her sudden passing has left an unfillable void in the lives of everyone who knew her,” the GoFundMe post read.

An for Marschel had a passion for teaching, her obituary reads, and her favorite expression as a mentor was “good job.”

“Her loss will affect us all, her inspiration will never be lost, and her love for us all will never be forgotten,” Marschel’s obituary said. 

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.