Vigil for West Duluth Deaths

A vigil brings people together, following murder-suicide that shattered quiet community

DULUTH, Minn. – A community is in mourning, following a murder-suicide that took the lives of two mothers and their two sons, last week.

Tonight, family members, neighbors, and loved ones gathered at the West Duluth home of victims 45-year-old Kathryn Nephew, her son 7-year-old Oliver Nephew, and the suspect, 46-year-old Anthony Nephew. Kathryn worked to better her community through helping with the Duluth Library and working as a member of Lake Superior College’s Art Department. Oliver was known throughout the neighborhood for his “Unexpected Gift Library” that he would keep stocked with trinkets to brighten people’s day.

Chief of Police, Mike Ceynowa was one of the city officials attending the vigil and was seen embracing the mother of one of the victims.

The crowds released lanterns for the victims, before beginning the short walk to the home on Tacony Street, where the bodies of 47-year-0ld Erin Abramson and her son 15-year-old Jacob Nephew. Jacob was the older son of Anthony Nephew, and through speaking with neighbors, the two families got along and co-parented seemingly without issue.

At the Tacony Street, members of Erin’s running group, spoke about her passion for the sport, her son, and her work for the City of Superior’s Enviromental Services Department. Superior Mayor Jim Paine made remarks about Erin’s work for the city at a press conference last Friday.

The vigil also focused on bringing awareness to mental health, and internal struggles with mental illness. Chief Ceynowa, at last week’s press conference, said that a history of mental illness was likely a contributing factor in this killing.