Former Red Wing gas station owner victim of apparent murder-suicide

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A shockwave went through the community Tuesday morning when lifelong Hudson residents Claire and Betty Lou Erickson were found dead in their home on Crest View Drive overlooking the St. Croix River. It appears to be a murder-suicide.

Claire Erickson was the founder of the Erickson Oil/Freedom convenience store chain. Claire and his father, Herman Erickson, purchased their first gas station in 1950 in Red Wing.

Hudson Chief of Police Marty Jensen said there was no indication of an intruder at the home, 1003 Crest View Drive.

"It appears to be a murder-suicide," Jensen said. "A gun was used." He would not confirm the identities of the victims Tuesday afternoon, but based on other sources there is little doubt that the Ericksons were the victims in the incident. That should be confirmed later today.

Authorities were called to the scene at about 10:45 a.m. According to transmissions on a scanner, it appeared that the police were summoned by James Kron, son-in-law of the Ericksons.

Authorities are spending Tuesday afternoon at the scene, collecting evidence and taking photos. The couple was seen alive as recently as 9 p.m. Monday, according to Jensen.

Tags: state and region, redwing, murder, suicide, daily updates