Two former teachers from Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools in Minnesota were found dead in what authorities have ruled a murder-suicide on July 18, 2025. Morrison County Sheriff’s Office officials determined that 32-year-old Crystal Marschel was shot and killed by her boyfriend, 34-year-old John Gans, who then turned the gun on himself.
Deputies and officers from the Pierz Police Department responded to a residence in the 600 block of River Valley Road in Pierz, Minnesota, at approximately 10:36 a.m. for a welfare check. Upon entering the home, law enforcement discovered both individuals deceased inside the residence.
A welfare check was conducted after Marschel did not show up in court that day for a DWI charge. Gans, who was in the midst of a divorce, was also supposed to attend a court hearing on July 18 but failed to appear. Authorities found a .40 caliber handgun at the scene.
According to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, Marschel died from a gunshot wound to the head, with her death ruled a homicide. Gans’ death was determined to be suicide from a gunshot wound. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension contributed to the investigation.
Sauk Rapids-Rice Superintendent Brad Bergstrom confirmed that Gans taught mathematics at the district’s middle school from August 26, 2013 to May 31, 2024. Marschel taught physical education at the middle school from February 16, 2019 to May 31, 2024. Bergstrom indicated that the school district cannot disclose details about how their respective employments ended.
Gans was a former St. John’s University football player who lived in Rice, Minnesota, while Marschel resided in Pierz. The two were in a dating relationship at the time of their deaths. Court records show that Marschel’s DWI case was dismissed on July 22 due to her death.
Marschel is survived by her two young children, ages three and five, as well as their father, Austen. According to those who cared for her, the GoFundMe page highlights her as a compassionate and spirited individual whose children were always her top priority. The fundraiser aims to support the children and their father during this difficult time.
Family members and friends characterized Marschel as having a passion for teaching, with her favorite expression as a mentor being “good job.” According to the GoFundMe post, “We are heartbroken to share the devastating loss of Crystal, a loving young mother whose life was tragically cut short due to domestic violence.”
The fundraising page indicates that Marschel dreamed of watching her children grow, learn, and thrive, but that dream has been stolen. Her obituary states that her loss will affect everyone who knew her, but her inspiration will never be lost, and her love will never be forgotten.
The GoFundMe campaign seeks to provide support for childcare, counseling and emotional support for the children, basic living expenses as Austen takes time off to care for his children, and a memorial to honor Marschel’s life. The fundraiser emphasizes that Austen is now left to grieve while stepping into the role of a single parent.
Pierz is located approximately 32 miles north of downtown St. Cloud and 22 miles north of Rice. Authorities have stated that they believe this was an isolated incident with no known threat to public safety. The case involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Pierz Police Department, Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.