Aitkin County Sheriff Scott Turner confirmed Monday that the shooting near Big Sandy Lake early Saturday morning was a double murder-suicide.
The victims were identified as Jamie M. Gage, 32, of Minneapolis; Mark W. Root, 51, of rural McGregor; and John Brightman, 55, also of rural McGregor and formerly of the Twin Cities.
According to Turner, authorities believe Brightman used a .357 revolver found at the scene to shoot Gage and Root. He apparently called 911 to report the shootings and then turned the gun on himself.
The incident happened about 1:30 a.m. Saturday around a campfire at Root's home near Big Sandy Lake.
According to an autopsy in Ramsay County, Gage was shot two times in the back; Root was shot twice in the back and once in the chest. Brightman had a single gunshot wound to the head. They all died from their wounds.
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Mark Root's brother is helping his three children cope with their father's death.
"This is a big blow to our family," said Jason Root, also of McGregor. "Mark was a single parent raising three children, and this is going to hurt."
Mark Root's son said his dad was the "best father ever.
"He wouldn't want us to just give up, I know he's watching us," Jake Root said.
Witnesses who were at the campfire before the shooting occurred told investigators that there had been an argument between Brightman and Root earlier that night and that it may have been over Gage.
"It's tough to tell" exactly why Brightman became so agitated, Turner said. "We may never know.''
Friends who knew the victims said it was unclear why Brightman may have become so angry or jealous, telling the News Tribune that he was not a violent person. They were also unaware of any romantic relationship involving Gage and Brightman.
"From everything we hear, it was out of character for Mr. Brightman,'' Turner said.
