Ex-husband identified as shooter in Eagan murder-suicide

by Laura Yuen, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Authorities believe the gunman who apparently shot himself to death after killing an Eagan couple in their living room was the female victim's ex-husband.

Eagan police today identified him as Robin Bhattacharyya, 29, of Minneapolis. Police believe he shot his ex-wife, Svetlana Hanson, 25, and her husband, Charles Hanson, 42, Tuesday from the front window of the couple's home.

The gunman's body was found in the side yard, and Bhattacharyya's car was parked nearby. Police also located the murder weapon, a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun, was found near his body.

The gunman seems to match a description of Bhattacharyya, but authorities acknowledge that identification has been challenging. The Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office will verify the identification. Bhattacharyya had no known criminal history.

Authorities have yet to establish a motive for the shootings, but they do not believe the public is at risk.