Accident – Death – Obituary News : Cloquet, Minn. — A recent update from the Cloquet Police Department shed light on the tragic shooting incident that took place at the Super 8 Motel on January 9. The suspect behind the fatal shooting, identified as Nicholas Elliot Lenius, 32, of Ramsey, Minnesota, was found to have meth in his system at the time of the incident. Lenius, who tragically took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was reportedly unknown to the victims, 22-year-old Shellby Trettel of Cloquet and 35-year-old Patrick Jeffrey Roers of Deer River.
Chief Derek Randall of the Cloquet Police Department stated in a press release that the investigation involved thorough interviews, cell phone data analysis, and a review of toxicology reports provided by the medical examiner. Despite examining the suspect’s electronic devices, no evidence was found to suggest that Lenius had any prior knowledge of or communication with the victims.
The toxicology report revealed the presence of methamphetamine in Lenius’s blood, indicating possible impairment at the time of the incident. During interviews, it was discovered that Lenius had contacted a coworker and mentioned dealing with “monsters.” This suggests that he may have been experiencing a mental health episode and potentially under the influence of drugs.
Based on the information gathered, the police concluded that the victims were unknown to Lenius. The Cloquet Police Department will be forwarding the final investigative reports to the Carlton County Attorney’s Office for review.
The incident at the Super 8 Motel has left the community in shock and mourning the loss of two individuals. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of Shellby Trettel and Patrick Jeffrey Roers during this difficult time. May they find comfort and strength in the midst of this tragedy..
