Two former Minnesota teachers were found dead in what authorities have ruled a murder-suicide at a residence in Pierz, Minnesota, on July 18, 2025. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as 32-year-old Crystal Marschel of Pierz and her boyfriend, 34-year-old John Gans of Rice, Minnesota.
Deputies and Pierz Police Officers responded to a residence at 633 River Valley Road in Pierz at approximately 10:36 a.m. on July 18 to conduct a welfare check. Upon entry, officers discovered both individuals dead from gunshot wounds. A .40 caliber handgun was recovered from the scene.
According to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, Marschel died from a gunshot wound to the head and her death was determined to be a homicide. Gans’ death was ruled a suicide. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was called to assist with the investigation.
Both victims were former educators at Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools. Superintendent Brad Bergstrom confirmed that Gans taught mathematics at the middle school from August 26, 2013, to May 31, 2024. Marschel taught physical education at the same middle school from February 16, 2019, to May 31, 2024. The school district has not disclosed how their respective employments ended.
The welfare check was initiated after Marschel failed to appear in court on July 17 for a driving while impaired charge. Court records indicate her DWI case was dismissed on July 22 because of her death. Gans, a former St. John’s University football player, was going through a divorce and also failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing on July 18.
Marschel’s family and friends have established a GoFundMe page to support her two children, ages three and five, along with their father, Austen. The fundraiser describes Marschel as a warm, vibrant soul who loved fiercely and put her children at the center of her world. The campaign indicates that funds will support childcare, counseling and emotional support for the children, basic living expenses, and a memorial to honor Marschel’s life.
According to her obituary, Marschel had a passion for teaching, and her favorite expression as a mentor was “good job.” The memorial statement noted that her loss will affect everyone who knew her, while her inspiration and love will never be forgotten.
Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen asked for continued respect and privacy for the families involved during this difficult time. Authorities believe this was an isolated incident with no known threat to public safety.
The incident occurred in Pierz, located approximately 32 miles north of downtown St. Cloud and 22 miles north of Rice. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that help is available for those experiencing a crisis, directing individuals to local mental health resources or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
The case remains under investigation, with the Pierz Police Department working alongside the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Both victims were transported to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
This incident has left Marschel’s two young children without their mother, with the GoFundMe campaign highlighting the devastating impact of domestic violence on families. The fundraiser indicates that Austen is now facing the challenge of single parenthood while grieving the loss of Marschel.
The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office initially withheld the identities of the deceased pending positive identification and notification of next of kin. The department released updated information on July 21, confirming the identities and ruling the deaths a murder-suicide based on the medical examiner’s findings.
