Nurse found dead alongside two adult sons in suspected double murder-suicide

A Minnesota nurse was found dead alongside her two adult sons in a suspected double murder-suicide by the eldest child, according to police.

Jamie Lee Charles, 43, and her sons Jaymison Samuel Shaw, 22, and William Samuel Shaw Jr., 19, were found dead Sunday during a welfare check at a townhouse in Inver Grove Heights, police said Tuesday.

“Preliminary findings indicate this incident was a double murder-suicide,” Inver Grove Police Chief Melissa Chiodo said. 

Jamie Lee Charles and her teen son, William Samuel Shaw Jr., were found dead in their Inver Grove Heights home on Sunday. Jamie Charles / Facebook

“Based on the investigation to date, the incident appears to have been contained within the residence and Jaymison Shaw has been identified as the suspect.”

Police did not elaborate on what sparked the welfare check nor how the three died.

Charles, a nurse with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System for the past nine years, was killed just three days after sharing a snap from the Minnesota State Fair, where she had a picture with Fox9 chief meteorologist Ian Leonard.

Her death came less than two weeks after she marked a poignant anniversary about her health.

“One year ago today I was laying in a hospital dying,” she wrote in an Aug. 16 Facebook post, without specifying her condition. 

“I didn’t understand how with a blink of an eye my life got flipped upside down. I am forever grateful for my family and friends that have been there for me in my journey! Without all of you I would not have made it.”

Charles was a doting mom to sons Jaymison and William. Jaymison celebrated his 22nd birthday in June and William graduated high school last year.


Jaymison Samuel Shaw in an undated photo.
Jaymison Samuel Shaw has been identified as the suspect. Jamie Charles / Facebook

“There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing three precious lives,” her niece Polly Morgan said in a fundraiser.

“Each of them touched the lives of so many people and brought their own unique love, joy, and memories into our family and community. Their absence has left a space that can never be filled.”

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

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