Albert Lea, MN — A disturbing series of events unfolded in Albert Lea on Tuesday, leaving two people dead and sparking an ongoing investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). Authorities have identified the individuals involved, including the gunman, the victim, and the officers who responded.
The incident began when law enforcement received a report that 44-year-old Nathaniel Bailey of Albert Lea had sent a message claiming he had killed his mother. Officers responded to a rural home on the property, only to discover that Bailey had already left the scene in a vehicle. A multi-agency effort was launched to locate him, and officers eventually spotted the vehicle near Austin in Mower County.
When officers attempted a traffic stop, Bailey fled and drove back to the original residence. Upon arrival, he exited his vehicle armed with a handgun. A confrontation followed, during which officers opened fire, striking Bailey. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His mother, 66-year-old Brenda Krause, was later found inside the home, fatally shot. Her death was ruled a homicide by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner.
Five officers were involved in the fatal shooting and have since been placed on critical incident leave, a standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. They include Sergeant Katlynne Fisher (Mower County), Deputy Sean Robbins (Steele County), Deputy Darik Weigel (Freeborn County), Detective Sy Vanthavong (Albert Lea Police), and one unidentified officer from the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office, whose identity is protected due to their undercover role.
Both Bailey and Krause died from gunshot wounds. The BCA continues to investigate the sequence of events, including what led to the initial text message, the pursuit, and the confrontation with police. Officials say they are carefully examining evidence, body camera footage, and statements from those involved to determine the full scope of the incident.
The case has shocked the Albert Lea community, where residents are mourning the sudden and violent deaths. Local authorities have asked the public to remain patient as the investigation progresses. Additional updates will be provided as more information is confirmed. In the meantime, support services are being offered to the families affected and to the officers involved in the deadly encounter.