Double suicide suspected in Red Wing deaths

Last update: March 26, 2009 - 9:38 PM

RED WING, MINN. - A couple recently forced to close their Goodhue County vulnerable-adult care facility are dead after an apparent double suicide at their Red Wing home.

Kenneth Knutson, 52, and Evyelin Vetter, 54, died in a vehicle parked in the closed garage.

Police found the bodies Monday after a concerned person called authorities. Police say the cause of death is unknown, but foul play is not suspected.

Authorities are awaiting autopsy results. They said the vehicle was not running when they entered the garage, but the key in the ignition was turned.

In February, Knutson was forced to shut down Maple Lodge, the Cannon Falls vulnerable-adult care facility he and his wife opened in 2006. Knutson had been accused of emotionally abusing a resident. Knutson challenged the allegation, which an investigator said was an isolated incident, according to the Rochester Post-Bulletin.

The home had 11 beds and treated adults with traumatic brain injuries and degenerative neurological diseases.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Recent Local + Metro stories

Oprah Winfrey's mother, Wis. fashion retailer settle bill dispute; terms not disclosed - March 26, 2009

Oprah Winfrey's mother, Wis. fashion retailer settle bill dispute; terms not disclosed - A financial dispute between Oprah Winfrey's mother and a high-end fashion store in Wisconsin has been settled. More