Castle Rock Suicide, Death: Police Investigate Christmas Eve Shooting in Dakota County

• On December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve), Dakota County deputies responded just after 2:20 p.m. to reports of a shooting at a rural home in Castle Rock Township, near Farmington, Minnesota.
• Upon arriving at the scene, investigators found a woman dead from a gunshot wound. A man was also found with a gunshot wound to the head and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
• The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office is treating the incident as a possible murder‑suicide, though officials have not yet released full details about who fired the weapon or the exact motives involved.
• Law enforcement has confirmed there is no ongoing danger to the surrounding public and that the investigation remains active.

Community Impact

• Local reports indicate the deceased woman was a beloved 26‑year‑old mother of young children, widely remembered by those who knew her for her warmth and kindness, especially on what should have been a special holiday.
• Loved ones and community members have expressed profound sorrow, and some have organized support efforts for the woman’s family and children in the wake of the tragedy.

Investigation Status

• The sheriff’s office continues to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work to understand the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
• Because the case involves potential domestic or interpersonal elements, authorities are handling details carefully and have not yet shared identities or specific causes of the incident.

Safety and Support

• Officials have emphasized that the incident appears isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the area.
• Members of the community who may be struggling with reaction to the news, grief, or emotional stress are encouraged to lean on local support networks, friends, family, and professional resources for comfort and help.