On October 25, 2021, 23-year-old Scott Connor Maloney was found dead inside a Farmington, Minnesota townhome, part of a scene that claimed three lives. Scott was located on the second level, blocking entry to a bedroom, with a gunshot wound to the head. His father, Jack Maloney, 55, was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to the head. Their mother, Tracy Maloney, 53, was discovered on the kitchen floor with a yoga mat over her face and multiple head injuries consistent with blows from a hammer.

Authorities arrested 26-year-old Blake Thomas Maloney, Scott’s brother, at the scene. The criminal complaint alleges Blake admitted killing his brother and father with a gun a couple of days before their mother arrived, and then killing their mother with a hammer because he said he didn’t want to use the gun anymore. Blake was charged with three counts of second-degree murder; his next court appearance had been set for November 12, 2021, and bail was set at $2 million without conditions and $1.5 million with conditions. Investigators reported Blake did not believe the victims were actually his family as they continued to piece together the events.