Kinsley Prinsen, an Innocent 2-Year-Old, and Her Father, 50-Year-Old Scott Joseph Devery, at the Center of a Deeply Disturbing Minneapolis Family Tragedy That Leaves Mother Trisha Ann Prinsen Devastated and a Community Searching for Answers Amidst Unfathomable Grief and Unresolved Questions of Mental Health and Domestic Warning Signs
A heartbreaking and deeply disturbing tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Monday morning in a typically quiet residential section of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the lives of a young child and her father ended in a harrowing act that has left family members shattered and the local community stunned. The violent episode occurred within the family home and was reportedly witnessed by the child’s mother, who is now left to face an unimaginable emotional aftermath.
The victims have been identified as 2-year-old Kinsley Prinsen and her father, 50-year-old Scott Joseph Devery. According to Minneapolis police, Devery used a firearm to take the life of his daughter before turning the weapon on himself. The only surviving member of the immediate household, Trisha Ann Prinsen—Kinsley’s mother and Devery’s partner—was present at the time and is currently receiving psychological support as she processes the trauma.
Authorities received an urgent 911 call at approximately 4:30 a.m. Monday morning, believed to have been placed by Prinsen herself. Responders arrived quickly at the scene to discover a situation described as “incomprehensibly tragic” by first responders. Both the child and her father were found with fatal gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services attempted to resuscitate the toddler, but she was declared deceased on-site. Devery was also pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
While the incident is being investigated as a murder-suicide, police have emphasized that the case is active and ongoing. Detectives are examining a range of potential contributing factors, including mental health concerns, familial stress, and the presence of any warning signs that may have gone unnoticed.
The Short, Joyful Life of Kinsley Prinsen
Kinsley Prinsen, who had just begun exploring the world around her, was described by those who knew her as an affectionate and spirited child. With her cherubic cheeks, bright eyes, and an infectious giggle, she quickly became a beloved figure in her neighborhood. Neighbors recall seeing her toddling through the yard with her mother, giggling as she chased after butterflies or splashed in rain puddles.
“Kinsley had the kind of laugh that made everyone smile,” said a next-door neighbor. “Even if you didn’t know her well, you felt her presence.”
Her life was filled with bedtime stories, toddler dance moves, and an innocent curiosity that typifies the early stages of childhood. Her abrupt and violent death has been felt as a personal loss by those in her community, many of whom have placed teddy bears, candles, and hand-drawn notes at a growing memorial outside the home.
Scott Joseph Devery: A Father at the Center of a Complex Picture
Scott Joseph Devery had no criminal history and was not known to local authorities for any previous domestic disturbances. However, in the wake of the incident, friends and relatives have come forward with concerns about his emotional wellbeing in recent months. Some report that Devery appeared withdrawn and anxious, while others mention offhand comments that, in retrospect, now seem like quiet cries for help.
“He wasn’t someone who opened up easily,” said a longtime acquaintance. “But there were definitely moments where I thought something wasn’t right.”
Mental health professionals often note that the most dangerous breakdowns can occur in silence—behind closed doors, within private thoughts, far from public view. Though no formal diagnosis has yet been disclosed, authorities are exploring the possibility that Devery was suffering from an untreated mental health disorder. Investigators are analyzing his digital communications, personal notes, and financial records to piece together his final days.
The firearm used in the act was legally purchased, according to preliminary findings. It remains unclear whether the weapon was stored securely or how easily it was accessed.
Trisha Ann Prinsen: A Mother Enduring the Unendurable
Trisha Ann Prinsen, who endured the unthinkable by witnessing the violent loss of both her daughter and her partner in a single morning, is currently receiving trauma-informed care and counseling. Described by friends as a deeply devoted mother and a gentle, compassionate individual, she is said to be in a state of profound grief.
“She lived for that little girl,” one friend shared. “Kinsley was everything to her. This wasn’t just her daughter—it was her world.”
Prinsen had been in a long-term relationship with Devery, and while their life appeared stable from the outside, the tragedy has raised questions about what underlying stressors might have been present within the household. Supporters have rallied around her, establishing a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses and psychological care. The campaign has drawn donations from both local residents and strangers touched by the heartbreaking story.
A Community in Mourning
The Minneapolis community, already sensitive to issues of safety and trust due to previous local traumas, has responded with an outpouring of grief and a collective sense of helplessness. Many are struggling to understand how such a devastating event could happen in what appeared to be a quiet, loving home.
“We always think we’d notice,” said a nearby resident. “But the truth is, so many people are suffering silently.”
Crisis counselors have been dispatched to the neighborhood, and local schools and daycare centers are being equipped with additional resources for children and families who may be emotionally affected by the news. Local officials have pledged to use this tragedy as a catalyst for examining mental health intervention strategies and firearm safety education.
A Wake-Up Call on Mental Health and Family Safety
This heartbreaking incident has reignited calls for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies. Mental health advocates, child protection agencies, and domestic violence experts are emphasizing the importance of proactive care, regular wellness checks, and accessible crisis intervention services.
“Far too often, warning signs are either not recognized or are seen as normal emotional fluctuations,” said a representative from the Minnesota Department of Mental Health. “But when there are children involved, we have to err on the side of caution. We have to ask the hard questions.”
The lack of any prior documented domestic violence issues in this case complicates the discussion. It underscores how difficult it can be to intervene before a tragedy occurs—particularly when emotional or psychological issues remain hidden from public view.
Advocates are urging increased funding for family-based mental health services, improved red-flag laws that allow temporary removal of firearms in crisis situations, and expanded public education campaigns aimed at destigmatizing mental health treatment.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
Autopsies for both Devery and Kinsley have been completed, with toxicology reports pending. Investigators are hoping those results will provide further clarity about Devery’s physical or mental state at the time of the tragedy. Authorities are also in the process of interviewing extended family members, friends, and coworkers to establish a comprehensive timeline of the days leading up to the act.
Officials have made it clear that they will release further findings to the public as they become available, both in the interest of transparency and as part of broader community healing efforts.
As the city continues to process this immense loss, grief counselors and spiritual leaders are encouraging residents to come together—not only to mourn, but to find ways to prevent such devastation from happening again.
A Memorial for Kinsley
A private memorial service is being planned for Kinsley Prinsen in the coming weeks. Family members, friends, and community supporters are expected to attend. The ceremony will focus on celebrating the light and joy she brought into the world, rather than the tragic way in which her life ended.
As preparations for her farewell continue, her mother has asked for privacy but released a brief statement through a family friend: “Kinsley was love in its purest form. I will carry her in my heart for the rest of my life.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, help is available. Contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or reach out to local mental health services. You are not alone, and support is always within reach.
