Police: 54-year-old man kills couple who opened their Iron Range home to him

The killings occurred in Babbitt, police there said.

October 30, 2023 at 5:16PM

A 54-year-old man killed a couple who opened their Iron Range home to him, police said Monday.

The man admitted to police in Duluth that he killed the husband and wife at their residence south of Ely in Babbitt, read a statement from the Babbitt Police Department.

Officers went to the home on Fir Circle and located the bodies of Clifford Johnson, 78, and Christine Johnson, 79, the statement continued.

The suspect was arrested and jailed early Sunday on suspicion of second-degree murder and remains jailed pending charges. The Star Tribune generally does not identify suspects before they are charged.

Police Chief Michael McGregor declined to say how or when the killings occurred, nor did he address a possible motive.

The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said it is assisting with the investigation.

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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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