Former NFL Player and Wife Found Dead in Rural Minn. Home, and 22-Year-Old Son Is Suspect
A former NFL player and his wife were found fatally shot in their rural Minnesota home, and police are searching for their 22-year-old son as the suspect.
Police say Barry Bennett, 63, and Carol Bennett, 63, of Long Prairie, were found dead at 4:32 on Wednesday.
A release from the Todd County Sheriff’s Office says Dylan John Bennett is the suspect and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. The vehicle Dylan was believed to be driving has been located, police said.
An earlier release said that “there is no threat to public safety at this time.”
Chief Deputy Lonnie Marcyes tells PEOPLE that later on Friday, authorities will release more information on the couple’s deaths. Police will address why Dylan is the suspect and why police don’t believe there is currently a threat to public safety, he said.
Barry was a defensive lineman who played in the NFL from 1978 through 1988 with the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings.
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The Vikings issued a statement about the deaths Friday on Twitter, saying, “Our thoughts are with their friends and family during this difficult time.”
We are saddened by the tragic loss of former Vikings player Barry Bennett and his wife, Carol. Our thoughts are with their friends and family during this difficult time.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 23, 2019
Marcyes, who was friends with the couple, said Barry worked as a physical education and health teacher at Long Prairie High School. He described him as “one of the nicest guys.”
He described Carol as a kind person who was very active in the community.
Authorities do not believe Dylan has any felony convictions, Marcyes says.
