Anthony Nephew, a 46-year-old father, reportedly took his life, along with his wife, Kathryn, former partner, Erin Abramson, and two of their children, Jacob and Oliver after Donald Trump was declared winner of the US presidential election.
According to the New York Post, Nephew’s actions were motivated by his rage over Trump’s victory in the recent election.
Cyber Reporters reports that authorities have not confirmed this as the official motive but Nephew had a history of mental health struggles and had expressed his concerns publicly.
On social media, Nephew shared his left-leaning views and criticism of Trump.
In one post, he wrote:
“My mental health and the world can no longer peacefully coexist, and a lot of the reason is religion.
“I am terrified of religious zealots inflicting their misguided beliefs on me and my family. I have intrusive thoughts of being burned at the stake as a witch or crucified on a burning cross.
“Having people actually believe that I or my child are Satan, or the anti-Christ, or whatever their favourite boogeyman they are afraid of this week.”
He also shared his fears about religious zealots and their impact on his family.
Nephew’s posts revealed his deep-seated concerns about the country’s direction as he accused Republicans of making it harder for women to leave abusive relationships and referenced The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian novel.
His Facebook profile showed a mix of frustration, fear, and desperation.
It was gathered that in 2021, Nephew wrote an op-ed for the Duluth News Tribune, highlighting the stigma surrounding mental health in the US.
He shared his own struggles and emphasized the need for better support.
He said:
“For millions of Americans, a breakdown leads to suicide — or homicide before suicide.”
“Mental health in this country is stigmatized, ignored, or treated as a burden for the individual to bear alone, with little help and even less understanding,” he wrote.
“Americans deny they have mental health struggles — because they have to, because they’re told to, or because they don’t realize their mind is broken.”
The investigation is ongoing, but police assure the community there is no ongoing threat. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health and the devastating consequences of unchecked struggles.
