Couple found dead in Dakota County farm field; murder-suicide suspected

A 27-year-old woman was fatally shot by her 65-year-old husband who then took his own life in Dakota County on Sunday, authorities say.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner announced Wednesday that the man and woman were found dead in a field southwest of the intersection of 210th St. E and Clayton Ave. in Vermillion Township – a rural area located between Farmington and Hampton.

According to authorities, 65-year-old Smith C. Brown, of Oakdale, fatally shot his 27-year-old wife, Payao Vang, in the head before fatally shooting himself.

Vang's death has been ruled a homicide, with Brown's ruled a suicide.

Brown's son had reported the pair had gone to a leased farm plot in Dakota County and failed to return home. The son and another family member drove to the plot and found the couple dead.

"At this time, evidence leads us to believe that Mr. Brown took Mrs. Vang’s life and then his own," the Dakota County Sheriff's Office said.

"Two handguns were recovered on scene. One in Mr. Brown’s hand and another in his jacket pocket. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate to determine what may have led to this tragic incident."

If you know anyone who is affected by domestic violence, you can find more information on services available here, via the Minnesota DPS. You can also call the Day One Crisis Hotline at 1-866-223-1111.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.