Game Warden Marcus Whipps, Game Warden Douglas Brady, and Game Warden Melvin Holt were shot and killed while questioning a man about illegal fish shipments to Iowa.

Warden Holt and Warden Brady had originally gone to the man’s home, in Waterville, to question him but the suspect ordered them off of the property and told them not to return without a warrant.

The wardens returned with Warden Whipps, who asked the suspect to see his license to handle fish commercially. The man told them he would get it but returned with a 12 gauge shotgun and shot all three wardens, killing them all instantly. The man then committed suicide.

Warden Whipps had been employed with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – Enforcement Division for three years. He was survived by his wife and three children.