UPDATED NEWS RELEASE
Morrison County Sheriff’s Office
July 21, 2025
The deaths of the two residents in the city of Pierz, MN have been ruled a murder/suicide.
On July 18, 2025, Morrison County Deputies and Pierz Police Officers responded to a residence at 633 River Valley Road in Pierz. Upon arrival, two bodies were discovered and have been identified as 32-year-old Crystal Marschel of Pierz, MN and her boyfriend 34-year-old John Gans of Rice, MN. Both individuals died of 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 was determined to be the victim of homicide. The manner of Gan’s death was ruled suicide.
We ask for continued respect and privacy for the families involved during this incredibly difficult time. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, help is available. Please reach out to local mental health resources or call/text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
NEWS RELEASE
Morrison County Sheriff’s Office
July 18, 2025
The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Friday, July 18, 2025, at approximately 10:36 am, their office received a request to do a welfare check at a residence on the 600 block of River Valley Road in the city of Pierz, MN.
The Pierz Police Department and the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence. Upon entry, they discovered two deceased individuals, an adult male and an adult female, inside the residence.
The deceased were transported to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies. Their identities are being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) was called to assist with the ongoing investigation. At this time, authorities believe this is an isolated incident, and there is no known threat to public safety.
This case remains an active investigation.
The Pierz Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).