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.
📌 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.
📊 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.
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.
Domestic violence deaths rise in Minnesota during 2025 — KAAL TV
Approximately 89% of firearm-related homicides of Black victims are perpetrated by Black offenders.
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.
CHILD ABUSE AND VIOLENCE IN SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES — ResearchGate
📰 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.