An ex-convict on the run is now considered a suspect in last weekend's shooting death of his 41-year-old wife in their Maplewood townhouse, police said Monday.

Todd Larry Tennin, 31, is wanted in the killing of April M. Tennin at their home in the 1700 block of Woodland Lane about 6 a.m. Sunday, said Police Chief Paul Schnell.

"Right now we believe he's still in the area," Schnell said.

At home during the shooting were two of April Tennin's children, a 16-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, and a 15-year-old friend. The children, who were not harmed, found April Tennin's body and contacted a neighbor. Schnell said the children have been placed with other family members.

Investigators recovered a weapon Sunday, but Schnell did not say whether it was the one used in the shooting.

The suspect also is wanted by the Minnesota Department of Corrections for violating terms of his supervised release in connection with a weapons-related conviction.

Tennin

"We do regard him as a danger and a risk to public safety," Schnell said.

Sunday's shooting occurred at the Trails Edge affordable-housing community, a quiet CommonBond development on the grounds of the monastery of the Sisters of St. Benedict. Neighbors, who did not want to be identified, said it was "a tragic situation."

One man said his wife heard screaming and looked outside to see one of the children standing near the house.

Larry Tennin left the home shortly after the shooting in a car that was found at the home of an acquaintance near Queen Avenue in Brooklyn Park, Schnell said. It's believed that he left there in a rental vehicle, which was stopped in Minneapolis on Monday but without the suspect inside.

Schnell said that the couple had been arguing before the shooting but that police did not know the nature of the dispute. Records show police were called to the home at least eight times within the last two years. Twice this year — most recently three weeks ago — April Tennin called police to deal with altercations involving her 12-year-old son.

Anyone with information about Todd Larry Tennin's whereabouts is asked to call Maplewood police at 651-249-2600 or 911. Information can also be anonymously provided by texting the keyword MAPLEWOOD followed by the tip information to TIP411.

Star Tribune staff writer Anthony Lonetree contributed to this report. pwalsh@startribune.com • 612-673-4482 kduchschere@startribune.com • 651-925-5035