Identities Officially Released in Faribault Chamber Murder-Suicide

The Faribault Police Department released the identities of the two individuals found today deceased inside the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce, 530 Wilson Avenue.

Captain Neal Pederson confirmed they were 61 year old Richard Larson and 59 year old Barbara Larson both of Faribault.

Captain Pederson says the initial investigation indicates Richard Larson shot and killed Barbara Larson before killing himself.

Faribault Police were called Friday at 12:15 p.m. after a citizen reported seeing two persons down inside the building.

Arriving officers discovered the bodies of the two behind a desk and authorities say no other Chamber employees were present during the shooting.

Officers did observe a firearm at the scene.

Captain Pederson says officers were aware of a Harassment Restraining Order served on Richard Larson earlier this week.

Richard Larson served in the Faribault Pollice Department for a number of years, retiring in 2008.

He was a Captain and Community Liason Officer during his tenure so we visited with him numerous times about various police issues.  At the end of his career he had an office in the Washington Recreation Building formerly Washington Elementary School.

Barb Larson was the Membership Services and Events Director at the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce for the last several years.  She was a guest on our AM Minnesota program a number of times.  Most recently on December 15, 2016.

The couple were divorced in 2014.

Faribault Police Chief Andy Bohlen commented, "Being such a small community, Faribault PD has worked with both in the past.  Our collective hearts are broken after responding to such a tragedy.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved."

The Faribault Police Department is being assisted by the Rice County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in the investigation.