Irving Van Marsaw, 53, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder following the deaths of his estranged partner, Jennifer Sue Marsaw, 44, and her 5-year-old son, Marzai Andrew Dawson, in Lexington, Minnesota.
The killings occurred just hours after Jennifer told Irving that she was taking him to trial. Marsaw is currently being held on a $5 million bail.
A History of Abuse and Threats
Irving Marsaw’s relationship with Jennifer was marred by allegations of violence and threats. According to a criminal complaint reviewed by Law&Crime, Jennifer’s daughter reported that Irving had assaulted and threatened to kill Jennifer in the past, with the most recent threat occurring on March 3.
Court records reveal a pattern of abusive behavior, including multiple restraining orders filed by Jennifer.
In November 2025, Jennifer petitioned for a restraining order, stating that Irving threatened to hurt her if she didn’t reveal her whereabouts. He also made demands to control her food support and disability benefits.
In February 2026, she filed for another restraining order, claiming that Irving had threatened to kill her and her children and had even followed her into her home without permission. While both restraining orders were granted, Jennifer withdrew them after a few weeks each time.
The Night of the Killings
On March 17, 2026, Jennifer reportedly kicked Irving out of their home following an argument in which he allegedly held a knife.
The last conversation Jennifer had with Irving, according to her daughter, occurred around 7 p.m., when Jennifer told him that she was determined to go to trial. Irving responded with a cold “Bet” before hanging up.
After midnight, while Jennifer’s daughter and her siblings were on a brief walk outside, they returned to the house to hear several gunshots.
The younger brother ran into the house, only to see Irving walking out the front door holding a handgun. The suspect briefly made eye contact with him before running toward a shed on the property.
The younger brother then ran out of the house, screaming that their mother and little brother had been shot. Jennifer’s daughter quickly gathered her siblings and ran to a neighbor’s house to call 911.
Arrest and Investigation
When police arrived at the scene around 12:50 a.m., Jennifer was found with gunshot wounds to her chest. Marzai, though still alive at the time, had gunshot wounds to his chest and left arm and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Officers identified Irving Marsaw as the suspect, based on prior interactions and the description provided by the daughter.
Irving was located hiding in a wooded area a few blocks away with the help of a K9 unit. He was taken into custody at 1:33 a.m., and a 9 mm handgun was later found near the residence. While in custody, Irving made statements suggesting that the murders were committed “in the heat of passion.”
Autopsy and Legal Proceedings
An autopsy conducted by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Jennifer Marsaw died from a gunshot wound to the chest, fired at contact range.
Marzai’s cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the back, also fired at contact range. The investigation revealed spent bullets and an unspent round near the bodies.
Irving Marsaw is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on Friday, with a subsequent hearing set for April 14, 2026.
