The peaceful town of Cloquet, Minnesota, experienced a shooting on Monday evening, January 8, 2024, at the Super 8 motel, located on Big Lake Road, close to Highway 33.
The Cloquet Police Department was called to manage an active shooter scenario at the motel.
Upon their arrival at approximately 6:30 p.m., the police found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
One of the victims was Shellby Trettel, a 22-year-old woman from Cloquet who worked as a clerk at the motel. She was discovered near the reception desk and was immediately transported to St. Luke’s Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The police subsequently discovered a 35-year-old man from Deer River, who was a guest at the motel, dead in his vehicle in the motel parking lot. He had been shot multiple times.
A 32-year-old man from Ramsey, believed to be the shooter, was later found dead outside the motel. He appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and a weapon was found next to him.
Surveillance footage from the motel confirmed that the man from Ramsey was indeed the suspect in question.
While the situation was ongoing, local residents were asked to shelter in place to ensure their safety. They were advised to lock themselves in secure rooms, close and lock all windows and doors, and keep quiet. They were also told to contact 911 if they noticed any suspicious activity.
By 8 p.m., the police declared the area safe. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed the tragic end of the incident, with two victims and the shooter found dead.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, along with the Cloquet Police, has taken over the investigation. The motive behind the crime is still unknown at this time.
