Tenant Homicide in our St Paul Duplex

[Rich Leone]

We woke up to some very disturbing news this morning. One of our duplex tenants notified us that the couple living in the other unit had a big argument early this morning. According to that tenant, the male shot and killed the female in the hallway of the duplex. I went to the property and there was police tape around it. I identified myself as the property owner and the officer on duty shared that the investigators would be there for several more hours before we can reoccupy the property. 

I do plan to contact my attorney and insurance company, but would appreciate hearing from any BP colleagues regarding any experiences, advice and outcomes with this type of scenario. Thank you!

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Rich Leone:

We woke up to some very disturbing news this morning. One of our duplex tenants notified us that the couple living in the other unit had a big argument early this morning. According to that tenant, the male shot and killed the female in the hallway of the duplex. I went to the property and there was police tape around it. I identified myself as the property owner and the officer on duty shared that the investigators would be there for several more hours before we can reoccupy the property. 

I do plan to contact my attorney and insurance company, but would appreciate hearing from any BP colleagues regarding any experiences, advice and outcomes with this type of scenario. Thank you!

Share contact information with the detective and explain your predicament. You'll need family members to empty the rental so you can take it back. When they notify relatives, they can also pass on your contact information.

When they contact you, express sympathy. Coordinate access and a deadline for removal. Do not just give them cart blanche access because they may pull out the items of value and leave you with a lot to remove and clean. They may decide to move in and refuse to leave. Ask me how I know.

You may even consider a written agreement where both parties agree on who does what, deadline, consequences, etc. 

 Bio hazmat cleaning can get expensive depending on the amount. You may want to contact insurance.