Circle Pines double homicide: estranged partner charged in killing of Jennifer Marsaw and 5-year-old son
On March 18 just before 1 a.m., 53-year-old Irving Van Marsaw was charged with two counts of second-degree murder with intent after allegedly fatally shooting his estranged partner, 44-year-old Jennifer Sue Marsaw of Lexington, and her 5-year-old son, Marzai Andrew Dawson, at a Ryan Place home in Circle Pines; both victims died of gunshot wounds to the chest and back. An older child returning from a walk called 911 after hearing multiple "pops" and seeing Marsaw flee to a shed with a handgun; investigators said he claimed the shootings occurred "in the heat of passion," noted prior threats and a March 3 knife incident, and he remains held at the Anoka County Jail with a first court appearance set for Friday.
Show source details & analysis (3 sources)
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, the rate of intimate partner homicide victimization for Black persons was 2.0 per 100,000 population, compared to 0.5 per 100,000 for White persons. ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf)) ([Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/hvus23.pdf))
Homicide Victimization in the United States, 2023 — Bureau of Justice Statistics
In Minnesota, domestic violence homicides increased nearly 30% from 24 in 2024 to 31 in 2025. ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025)) ([KAAL TV](https://www.kaaltv.com/news/domestic-violence-deaths-rise-in-minnesota-during-2025))
Domestic violence deaths rise in Minnesota during 2025 — KAAL TV
Approximately 89% of firearm-related homicides of Black victims are perpetrated by Black offenders. ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans)) ([Ammo.com](https://ammo.com/research/gun-violence-among-black-americans))
Gun Violence Among Black Americans: 2025 Statistics — Ammo.com
A national survey found single parents to be more likely to use abusive forms of violence toward their children than parents in two-parent families. ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES)) ([ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20339332_CHILD_ABUSE_AND_VIOLENCE_IN_SINGLE-PARENT_FAMILIES))
CHILD ABUSE AND VIOLENCE IN SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES — ResearchGate
📌 Key Facts
- Victims were identified as 44-year-old Jennifer Sue Marsaw of Lexington and her 5-year-old son, Marzai Andrew Dawson; both died of gunshot wounds to the chest and back.
- Authorities say the suspect is 53-year-old Irving Van Marsaw, an estranged partner; he has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder with intent, is being held at the Anoka County Jail, and has a first court appearance set for Friday morning.
- The shootings occurred just before 1 a.m. on March 18 at a residence on Ryan Place in Circle Pines.
- An older child returned from a walk, heard multiple 'pops,' called 911 and reported seeing someone exit the home with a handgun and flee to a shed.
- While in custody, Irving Van Marsaw allegedly told investigators the shootings happened 'in the heat of passion.'
- Police say there were prior threats and alleged assaults, including a March 3 incident in which he threatened to kill Jennifer and allegedly held a knife before being kicked out; in a final phone call before the killings Jennifer said she was 'going to trial' and he replied 'bet' and hung up.
- Investigative agencies involved include the Centennial Lakes Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory, and the Hennepin and Midwest medical examiners' offices.
📰 Source Timeline (3)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Identifies the suspect as 53-year-old Irving Van Marsaw and specifies he is charged with two counts of second-degree murder with intent.
- Clarifies the location as Ryan Place in Circle Pines, with the shootings happening just before 1 a.m. on March 18.
- Describes how an older child called 911 after returning from a walk, hearing multiple 'pops,' and seeing Marsaw exiting the home with a handgun and fleeing to a shed.
- Reports that while in custody Marsaw allegedly claimed the shootings happened 'in the heat of passion.'
- Details prior threats and alleged assaults, including a March 3 incident where he threatened to kill Jennifer and was kicked out after holding a knife, and notes a final phone call where Jennifer said she was 'going to trial' and he replied 'bet' before hanging up.
- Confirms both victims died of gunshot wounds to the chest and back and that Marsaw’s first court appearance is set for Friday morning.
- Victims identified as 44-year-old Jennifer Sue Marsaw of Lexington and her 5-year-old son, Marzai Andrew Dawson.
- Authorities say the suspect is Marsaw’s estranged partner, a 53-year-old Minneapolis man.
- The suspect is being held at the Anoka County Jail and had not yet been formally charged as of Thursday afternoon.
- Investigative agencies listed: Centennial Lakes Police Department, Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office, Midwest Regional Forensic Laboratory, and Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.